Related Experiment Videos

[Recurrent fever and skin eruption revealing chronic meningococcemia]

M Roux1, S Sire, V Lalande

  • 1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie-Paris, 184, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris cedex, France.

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|April 17, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chronic meningococcemia, a rare Neisseria meningitidis infection, presents with fever and rash. Early diagnosis is key for effective treatment and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis can cause chronic meningococcemia, an uncommon clinical manifestation.
  • This condition is distinct from acute meningococcal sepsis and meningitis.

Observation:

  • A 32-year-old male presented with a 15-day history of recurrent fever and a maculopapular rash.
  • The patient lacked signs of meningeal irritation or severe sepsis.

Findings:

  • Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Neisseria meningitidis.
  • The patient recovered fully after initiating antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis of chronic meningococcemia is vital for patient and contact management.
  • Recognizing the triad of fever, rash, and arthralgia aids diagnosis and differentiates from vasculitis, avoiding harmful corticosteroid use.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...