How is meningococcal caused?

How is meningococcal caused?

Meningococcal disease is caused by strains of the bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis . It is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with mucus from an infected person.

What is the most common cause of meningococcal meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis. There are several types, or serogroups, of Neisseria meningitidis. The most common of these serogroups are A, B, C, D, X, Y, 29E, and W135. Serogroups A, B, C, and Y are responsible for most meningococcal diseases.

What causes meningococcal Septicaemia?

Causes. Meningococcal septicaemia is an infection of the bloodstream caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Any disease caused by these bacteria is called meningococcal disease. The two most common types are meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicemia.

Why do children get meningococcal?

Meningococcus bacteria is spread by tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat via coughing, sneezing, spluttering and sharing cups, drink bottles and cutlery. However, it is not easily caught, because once out of the body, the bacteria do not live for long.

What does meningococcal mean?

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly.

Where is meningococcal bacteria found?

Overview of meningococcal disease Meningococcal bacteria live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in about 10 per cent of the population without causing illness. These people are known as 'carriers'.

Is meningitis same as meningococcal?

Meningococcal disease refers to a condition caused by the meningococcal bacterium (or, Neisseria meningitidis). Meningococcal disease can include meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord – this lining is called the meninges), and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

What causes Waterhouse Friderichsen syndrome?

WFS is caused by severe infection with meningococcus bacteria or other bacteria, such as: Group B streptococcus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What is meningococcal meningitis and Septicaemia?

Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria infect the lining of the brain (the meninges) and the spinal cord. Meningococcal septicaemia – or blood poisoning – occurs when the bacteria in the blood multiply uncontrollably.

What happens when you get meningococcal?

Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu). Often people with meningococcal disease also have nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion.