CASE REPORT OF MENINGOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Meningococcal pneumonia, an infrequent presentation of invasive meningococcal disease. We report a case of an elderly patient with a medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and prostate cancer undergoing chemotherapy, who presented with pneumonia, hypoxemia, and respiratory failure. The causative pathogen for the pneumonia was identified as a multi-drug resistant strain of Neisseria meningitidis. he patient did not show signs of meningitis or bacteremia. The patient received high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy and appropriate antibiotics, and was discharged after a ten-day hospitalization. Isolation and prophylaxis measures were implemented for healthcare workers and close contacts, with no secondary infections observed. This clinical case highlights the importance of considering meningococcal pneumonia as a potential cause of pneumonia in at-risk populations such as elderly patients, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic lung disease. Additionally, the antimicrobial resistance of the bacterium may have implications for current treatment and prevention strategies.