Page Contents
WHAT IS IT?
Neisseria meningitides is a gram negative diplococci bacterium.
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS
Maltose fermentation
MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS
Polysaccharide capsule
TRANSMISSION
Respiratory secretions
Oral secretions
CONDITIONS CAUSED
Meningitis
Meningococcemia: accompanied with petechial hemorrhages and gangrene of the the toes.
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndorme (complication of meningococcemia: adrenal destruction (adrenal insufficiency), fever, DIC, shock
TREATMENT
Vaccine:
Prophylaxis Rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone in close contacts.
Treatment of infection: ceftriaxone or penicillin G
OTHER HY FACTS
ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS
This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.
Page Updated: 04.20.2017