Meningitis - meningococcal

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Meningococcal lesions on the back

Meningococcal meningitis

• Rash , pinpoint red spots ( petechiae )
• Purple, bruise-like areas (purpura)
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Severe malaise (general ill feeling)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Mental status changes

Physical examination will reveal low blood pressure, fast heart rate, stiff neck, and a possible rash.

Other tests include the following:

• White blood cell (WBC) count is higher than normal.
• Spinal tap for spinal fluid (CSF) shows increased white blood cells, low glucose, high protein.
• Special stains of spinal fluid sometimes show the meningococcus bacteria.
• CSF culture grows the meningococcus bacteria.
• Blood culture grows the meningococcus bacteria.
• CT scan of the brain is usually normal.

Review Date: 08/15/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.