University:
Eastern Kentucky University
Course:
BIO 273 | Clinical Microbiology
Academic year:

2022
Views:

46

Pages:

2
Author:

ilikemyicons0y5

Neisseria Meningitidis (-) Features: Refer to the general overview. The features specific for N. meningitidis are: 1. Ferments maltose, apart from glucose 2. Encapsulated a. Polysaccharide capsule inhibits phagocytosis b. 4 strains on basis of capsule i. A ii. B (most common in US) iii. C iv. D 3. Sickle cell anemic and asplenic patients are susceptible to infections Transmission: 1. Respiratory droplets; first colonizes nasopharynx Pathogenesis: Divided into 3 phases: 1st Phase: 1. Colonization of nasopharynx 2. Invasion and spread into blood 3. Severe inflammatory response a. Response is generated by lipooligosaccharide protein 2nd Phase: 1. 2. 3. 4. Increased capillary permeability Leakage of fluid in extracellular space Hypovolemia Shock a. Maximum peripheral vasoconstriction due to shock i. Less blood to adrenal gland causes its infarction. This is called Waterhouse Friedrichsen syndrome ii. This infarction leads to exaggeration of present symptoms 3rd Phase: 1. Petechial rash a. Due to thrombocytopenia b. If the petechial rash increases to ecchymoses, this means the disease is progressing to DIC Prevention: 1. Vaccine a. Contains the capsule of N. meningitidis strains b. Doesn’t include capsule for strain B 2. Prophylaxis of rifampin given to close contacts Treatment: 1. Ceftriaxone