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Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia
This page introduces the meningococcus, the causative organism of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. It also provides details on the disease, its managment and prevention, and sources of additional information and advice.
Prepared by: The Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group , Nottingham University
What is the meningococcus?
Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) is an
opportunistic bacterium that usually lives harmlessly in our
throats but, from time to time (rarely), causes serious disease
such as meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain) and
septicaemia (blood poisoning). A number of other bacteria and
viruses can cause meningitis, however, the meningococcus is the
only bacterium that is capable of causing epidemic outbreaks of
meningitis and fatal septicaemia.
How does it spread?
The meningococcus spreads by close contact, e.g. kissing. At any
one time, around 10% of the population carry the bacterium.
Carriage rate among teenagers and young adults (including
university students) can reach as high as 34%.
Am I likely to carry the meningococcus?
Yes. Most of us will carry the organism in our throat at some
point in time, but this does not mean we are all at risk of
developing meningococcal disease. In fact, while carriage of the
bacterium is very common, disease is extremely rare. Moreover,
carriage can help you develop immunity against invasive disease.
How would I know if I am a carrier?
Carriers of the meningococcus are symptomless and will have no
way of knowing that they are carriers.
Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis and
Septicaemia):
For some reason, that is not yet entirely clear, some of
us develop invasive meningococcal infection. The bacterium
crosses the lining of our throat into the blood stream and
poison's the blood (septicaemia) or targets the meningies causing
meningitis. Remember, the disease is rare, and the majority of
those who develop meningitis will make a complete recovery.
Having said that, the disease is considered a medical emergency
because it is potentially devastating. If it leads to meningitis,
5-10% of the patents will die and another 10% will develop
neurological problems. If it causes septicaemic, up to 30% of the
patients will die. Of those with septicaemic shock, around half
will die, despite intensive medical treatment. It is more
important, therefore, to prevent disease than to cure it. It is
even more important to recognise the early signs
and symptoms of the disease because
early diagnosis and treatment greately enhance the chance of
survival. For photographs of the characteristic skin rash, click
here.
Who is at risk and what are the risk
factors?
The age group at highest risk are children under the age
of five. The peak of disease is in the first two years of life.
Teenagers and young adults are also at slightly increased risk.
Some of the known risk factors are: Smoking, recent infection
with influenza virus, close contact with patients (e.g. kissing).
Is there a vaccine against
meningococcal disease?
There are 13 serogroups of meningococci. Serogrops B and
C cause around 60% and 40% of cases in Uk, respectively. There is
a vaccine against serogroup C but not serogroup B. Recently, all
children and young adults were immunised against serogroup C
disease. For more information on vaccines at the University, click here.
Getting advice:
You will find plenty of useful information on the Web,
as given below (useful links). For advice on clinical aspects of
the disease, you may contact your GP, the Crips Heath Centre or
the Consultant of Communicable Disease Control.
Other useful links:
Meningococcal infection:
Further information and factsheets
More about vaccination at the University of Nottingham
Research in meningococcal disease in Nottingham
Molecular Bacterilogy and Immunology, Division of Microbiology, Nottingham University
Meningitis Research Foundation
University
of Nottingham Home Page