Meningococcal meningitis is one of two forms of meningococcal disease. It is an infection of the tissue, meninges, that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Neisseria meningitidis is found throughout the human population. Humans are the only natural host for the bacteria; approximately 5 to 20% of the population are carriers. The bacteria infect persons through direct contact with an already infected person's saliva.
Neisseria meningitidis is spherical in shape, ranging in diameter from 0.6 to 1.0 micrometers. They frequently occur in pairs with their adjacent sides flattened. They are also gram negative.
Meningitis is very hard to diagnose, as its symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold. Some very distinguishing characteristics are the onset of a high fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting. Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and being hard to wake up are also important symptoms of this illness. A rash may also be present, often involving the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
In order to diagnose the disease, the person's spinal fluid must be cultured and this takes up to 72 hours to have test results. If tests come back positive for meningitis the person is given antibiotics in order to kill off the bacteria. If caught early enough the infected person will most likely respond to treatment with penicillin.
*Disclaimer - This report was written by a student participaring in a microbiology course at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The accuracy of the contents of this report is not guaranteed and it is recommended that you seek additional sources of information to verify the contents.
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