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[Chronic meningococcemia]

Jorge V Martínez1, Sergio C Verbanaz, Rosana Jordán

  • 1Servicio de Infectología. Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina. jorgevmartinez@yahoo.com.ar

Medicina
|September 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Chronic meningococcemia, a rare Neisseria meningitidis infection, presents with fever, skin lesions, and joint pain. This case highlights the unusual prolonged survival without treatment, possibly due to inadvertent antibiotic exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic meningococcemia is a rare manifestation of Neisseria meningitidis infection.
  • It typically presents with fever, skin lesions, and arthralgia, often without meningitis.
  • The pathogenesis of its prolonged course without effective treatment remains unclear.

Observation:

  • The case involves a young woman with a classic presentation of chronic meningococcemia.
  • Initial diagnosis was delayed despite characteristic symptoms.
  • The patient survived for weeks without specific antibiotic therapy.

Findings:

  • Neisseria meningitidis was identified in blood cultures.
  • The patient exhibited typical chronic meningococcemia signs: fever, skin lesions, and joint pain.
  • The prolonged, uncomplicated course suggests potential factors influencing disease progression.

Implications:

  • Understanding the factors contributing to the chronicity of meningococcal infections is crucial.
  • The high susceptibility of Neisseria meningitidis to beta-lactam antibiotics may lead to inadvertent treatment.
  • This case underscores the importance of recognizing chronic meningococcemia for timely and appropriate management.

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