Is Neisseria meningitidis the same as meningococcal?

Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis cause meningococcal disease. About 1 in 10 people have these bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without being ill. This is called being ‘a carrier’. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain illnesses, which are known as meningococcal disease.

What does meningococcal disease look like?

A meningococcal rash is caused by bleeding under the skin. It can start as pink/reddish pinprick-sized lesions, progressing to larger purple bruise-like markings as the rash spreads and haemorrhages. The rash is often harder to notice in darker-skinned people, especially during the early stages.

What does Neisseria meningitidis look like?

meningitidis are grey and unpigmented on a BAP and appear round, smooth, moist, glistening, and convex, with a clearly defined edge. N. meningitidis appear as large, colorless-to-grey, opaque colonies on a CAP.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning).

What are the signs and symptoms of Neisseria meningitidis?

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever and chills.
  • Fatigue (feeling tired)
  • Vomiting.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly)
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Diarrhea.
  • In the later stages, a dark purple rash (see photos)

How do I know if I have meningococcal rash?

The meningitis glass test

  1. Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
  2. Spots/rash may fade at first.
  3. Keep checking.
  4. Fever with spots/rash that do not fade under pressure is a medical emergency.
  5. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.

What is the treatment for Neisseria meningitidis?

Treatment following diagnosis Currently, a third-generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone or cefotaxime) is the drug of choice for the treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Penicillin G, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolone, and aztreonam are alternatives therapies (IDSA guidelines).

Can meningococcal be cured?

Meningococcal can affect people of all ages, but can be prevented with vaccination. Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics.


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