Definition:
Meningococcemia is a fatal and acute infection of the bloodstream. It often results to vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Diagnosis:
Patients undergo blood tests to confirm meningococcemia and to rule out other infections. Other tests may also be done such as lumbar puncture to obtain spinal fluid sample for CSF culture, skin biopsy, and gram stain Urinalysis.
Treatment:
Patients are closely monitored and admitted in the hospital's intensive care unit. They administered with antibiotics through a vein. If they develop bleeding disorders, patients undergo platelet replacement. Other treatments also include fluids administered through a vein, blood pressure medications, or wound care for patients with blood clots in some areas of the skin. Family members and friend with infected persons are recommended to take preventive antibiotics or vaccines. However, vaccines do not provide significant protection after three years. Persons must limit their exposure to reduce possibilities of infection through basic hygiene measures.
Symptoms and Signs:
Infected individuals may suffer purple rashes, headache, pain in the muscles and joints, nausea and vomiting, bleeding under the skin, and shock.
Causes:
The infection is caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacteria, which resides in the upper respiratory tract causing no visible symptoms. The bacteria spread through contact with an infected individual through a cough or sneeze.
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