Droplet / Contact Precautions
Encapsulated gram negative diplococci.
Dual roles as a commensal and potentially invasive pathogen. Oro- and nasopharynges of 10% of the population are colonized with this bacterium.
Humans are the reservoir.
Quadrivalent vaccine prevents disease caused by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y. Separate vaccine for serogroup B is also available.
Can cause outbreaks, particularly in crowded settings.
Increased risk of disease in patients with:
Rarely:
Generally of little significance when cultured from non-sterile sites e.g. genital, pharynx.
Contact and droplet precautions until 24hrs of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers. Consider Infectious Disease consultation.