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Purulent pericarditis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction

Alexandre Leite de Souza1, Maristela Marques Salgado, Maria Das Graças Adelino Alkmin

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. alexandreexu@aol.com

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated meningococcal disease can cause purulent pericarditis in healthy young adults. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C as the cause in this case.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Disseminated meningococcal disease is a severe infection that can lead to various complications.
  • Purulent pericarditis, an infection of the pericardium, is a rare but serious manifestation.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 20-year-old male presented with symptoms of disseminated meningococcal disease.
  • Clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of pericardial involvement.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with purulent pericarditis secondary to Neisseria meningitidis infection.
  • Polymerase chain reaction analysis of pericardial fluid identified Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C as the causative pathogen.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering purulent pericarditis in patients with disseminated meningococcal disease.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms leading to pericardial involvement in meningococcal infections.

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