The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Caused by Neisseria meningitidis in the blood, which results in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations
- Bacteremia without sepsis: Patient has upper respiratory symptoms only and recovers spontaneously without antibiotic.
- Bacteremia without meningitis: Patient is acutely ill, and may have skin manifestations (rashes, petechiae, and ecchymosis) and hypotension.
- Bacteremia with meningitis:
- Predominant clinical picture of meningitis: Headache, decreased sensorium, and neck rigidity
- Skin manifestations and hypotension may also be present.
- Bacteremia with acute arthritis dermatitis syndrome: Patient may have tenosynovitis typical of gonococcal etiology.
Epidemiology
Incidence
- 0.3–1.0/100,000 in the US (2,500–3,500 cases annually)
- Incidence during epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa can be as high as 2%.
Risk Factors
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