Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Severe meningococcal infection: a review of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

Paul A Campsall1, Kevin B Laupland, Daniel J Niven

  • 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, 3500 26th Avenue Northeast, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J4, Canada.

Critical Care Clinics
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) causes rare but severe infections like meningitis and sepsis. Prompt diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and vaccines are key to managing meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a significant cause of invasive bacterial infections.
  • Meningococcal infections, though uncommon, are frequently severe and life-threatening, presenting as meningitis or sepsis with a petechial rash.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of severe Neisseria meningitidis infections.
  • To highlight the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of meningococcal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Neisseria meningitidis epidemiology.
  • Analysis of diagnostic approaches for meningococcal infections.
  • Review of current and emerging therapeutic strategies, including vaccines.

Main Results:

  • Neisseria meningitidis requires prompt consideration in patients with meningitis or sepsis and a petechial rash.
  • Early antimicrobial therapy and invasive diagnostic tests are crucial for suspected cases.
  • Vaccines have decreased the incidence of certain serogroups, with new serotype B vaccines anticipated.

Conclusions:

  • Early and appropriate management is critical for improving outcomes in severe meningococcal infections.
  • Vaccination remains a vital tool in controlling meningococcal disease, with ongoing vaccine development.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial therapyDiagnosisMeningococcal infectionMeningococcusNeisseria meningitidisSepsis

More Related Videos

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature11:40

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature

Published on: April 1, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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 Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
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...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...