Normal flora. Humans are the reservoir.
Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y.
Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded settings.
Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:
Meningitis
Meningococcemia
Rarely:
Pneumonia
Septic arthritis
Pericarditis
Conjunctivitis
Others
Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites e.g. genital, pharynx.
Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers.
