Description Bacteria that live ...
Description
Bacteria that live in the nose and throat of 5%-10% of the population without causing any problems. However, serious infections can occur if N. meningitidis gets into the blood stream after penetrating the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. The infection can result in pneumonia and/or meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can be rapidly fatal if untreated. There is a vaccine that can prevent the disease. The CDC recommends all 11-12 year olds receive the vaccine and a booster after 16 years of age.
Symptoms
Depends on the infection. Pneumonia: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever. Meningitis: severe headache, stiff neck, fever, weakness, confusion. It can cause purple bumps on the skin in some cases.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is done to get a sample of spinal fluid. The sample is sent to the laboratory for examination of the fluid under the microscope. The presence of white blood cells in the spinal fluid means the patient has meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is definitively diagnosed with a culture. A CT scan may be done to rule other diseases.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) cultures
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is done to get a sample of spinal fluid. The sample is sent to the laboratory for examination of the fluid under the microscope. The presence of white blood cells in the spinal fluid means the patient has meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is definitively diagnosed with a culture. A CT scan may be done to rule other diseases.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) cultures
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Infection with this bacterial infection can be rapidly progressive and life threatening. Immediate treatment with antibiotics in the hospital is required. People that have had close contact with an infected person will usually be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent a similar infection (known as prophylactic antibiotics).