Gram negative cocci

Question 1

what are the basic pathological principles of nisseria meningitidis?

Answer 1

gram-negative diploccocus causes meningococcal disease
enters body through inhalation of respiratory droplets or invades bloodstream (rare)

Question 2

which infections are caused by nisseria meningitidis?

Answer 2

meningococcemia
meningitis
Fulimant meningococcemia

Question 3

what are risk factors associated with infections caused by nisseria meningitidis?

Answer 3

infants 6-24 months
living in close quarters

Question 4

what are secondary complications caused by nisseria meningitidis infections?

Answer 4

• adrenal insufficiency
• necrosis due to vascular thromvosis
• acute respiratory distress syndrome
• coma
• death

Question 5

what are signs and symptoms associated with nisseria meningitidis infections?

Answer 5

Meningococcemia:
- petechial rash caused by destruction of blood vessels, fever, chills, join pain

Meningitis:
- infants = irritability, vomitting, temp instability, seizures
- children + adults = sudden onset of fever, headache, vomitting, abnormal skin colour
Signs upon physical examination
- positive kernig’s sign = inability to straighten leg when hip is flexed to 90’
- positive Brudzinski’s sign = flexing of neck by examiner

Question 6

how can you diagnose infection caused by nisseria meningitdis?

Answer 6

Lab results
Meningococcemia and meningitis:
-blood culture
- CSF analysis

Other diagnostics:
- physical examination (neck pains etc.)

Question 7

how can you treat infections caused by nisseria meningitdis?

Answer 7

Medications:
- Prophylaxis
- Antibiotics (penicillin G)
- hydrocortisone

Surgery:
- plastic surgery
- skin grafting
- amputation to treat necrosis