Pathogens
Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis

Precautions

Droplet Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

  • Ceftriaxone

See CNS Infections in the Syndrome section.

  • Ampicillin

See CNS Infections in the Syndrome section.

Prophylaxis (with Hospital Epidemiology input)

  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Rifampin

Encapsulated Gram negative diplococci

Normal flora - humans are the reservoir.

Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y.

Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded setting.

Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:

  • Meningitis
  • Meningococcemia
  • Rarely pneumonia
  • Septic arthritis
  • Pericarditis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Others

Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites i.e. genital, pharynx.

Invasive meningococcal disease is notifiable - call Public Health ASAP

Droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy

Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers; contact Clinical Epidemiology