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Published on: November 5, 2019
[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
Summary
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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