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Meningococcemia
Definition:
Meningococcemia is an acute (sudden onset) infection of the bloodstream and subsequent vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

Alternative Names:
Meningococcal septicemia; Meningococcal blood poisoning; Meningococcal bacteremia or bacterial in the blood

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Neisseria meningitidis frequently lives in the upper respiratory tract with no evidence of illness. Some event is thought to trigger the onset of aggressive behavior of the organism and sporadic cases of meningococcemia and meningococcal meningitis appear.

Family members and those closely exposed to an infected individual are at increased risk. The infection occurs more frequently in winter and early spring. It is transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory droplets.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may be very few at first, and can include:
  • Fever
  • Petechial rash
  • Irritability
  • Anxious appearing

Later symptoms and signs can include:

  • Appears acutely ill
  • Changing level of consciousness
  • Shock
  • Large areas of hemorrhage and/or thrombosis under the skin
Signs and tests:
Treatment:
Patients are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Intensive monitoring and treatment are needed.

Supportive measures for shock include: Medications include intravenous (IV) antibiotics to eliminate the infection, and high doses of corticosteroids for shock (must be given early). Clotting factors or platelet replacement may be needed if bleeding disorders develop.

Other treatments:
  • Wound care for thrombosed areas of skin
  • Respiratory isolation for first 24 hours, to avoid spread to other patients
Expectations (prognosis):
Early treatment results in a good outcome. When shock develops, the outcome is more guarded. Profound shock, DIC (a severe bleeding disorder), and adrenal collapse all predispose the patient to a poor prognosis with possibility of a death. The absence of meningitis tends to have a poorer prognosis.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider immediately or go to the emergency room if your child has symptoms suggestive of meningococcemia.
Prevention:
Prophylaxis (preventive antibiotics) for family members and contacts are often recommended. Speak with you health care provider about this option.
Review Date: 1/5/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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