Abstract
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Gram negative diplococcus, Neisseria meningitidis. It is characterized by nonspecific symptoms of fever and constitutional symptoms followed by septic shock and meningitis. The characteristic rash is usually not seen in the early course of the illness which may lead to delayed diagnosis, late initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, delayed isolation, and chemoprophylaxis of close contacts. Here, we report a case of meningococcal septicaemia in a young male who presented with fever and features of meningitis and subsequently developed the characteristic rash. The importance of early identification of the characteristic skin lesions of meningococcaemia and timely institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy to prevent complications of meningococcal septicaemia are emphasized.
Highlights
Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially lethal condition caused by the Gram negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.[1]
We report a case of meningococcal septicaemia in a young male, who presented with fever and features of meningitis and subsequently developed the characteristic rash
Bacterial meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading infections causing high morbidity and mortality globally, including in Asia.[1,4]. It usually begins with nonspecific prodromal symptoms of fever, lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.[5]
Summary
Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially lethal condition caused by the Gram negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.[1]. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose it in its initial stage. Prompt early aggressive fluid resuscitation and rapid initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy improves the outcome of patients.[3] Meningococcal disease spreads very rapidly and urgent attention is needed to diagnose it in its initial stage. We report a case of meningococcal septicaemia in a young male, who presented with fever and features of meningitis and subsequently developed the characteristic rash.
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