What Is Microbiology - Neisseria Meningitidis Infection

​Neisseria meningitidis infection

Neisseria meningitidis is a form of gram negative diplococcus. Respiratory droplets are the common mode of transmission.

Gram stain, chocolate agar and blood agar can be useful in identifying Neisseria meningitidis. Latex agglutination test is useful to diagnose neisseria meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid. 

Neisseria meningitidis may present with septicemia which may present with ecchymosis and petechiae as well as meningitis. The common complication of neisseria meningitidis infection may include disseminated intravascular coagulation.

There are five serogroups of neisseria meningitidis which include A, B, C, Y and W135. The serogroups are based on the polysaccharides capsules. There are vaccine against the serogroups of neisseria meningitidis except serogroup B . 

Chemoprophylaxis is considered high risk person with close contact with infected person. The common antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins and penicillin are considered.