Pathogens
Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis

Precautions

Droplet Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Ceftriaxone *q12hr dosing if suspected or documented meningitis

Penicillin or Ampicillin - Once susceptibilities available

Chloramphenicol or ciprofloxacin - If beta lactam allergy

Encapsulated gram negative diplococci

Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:

  • Meningitis
  • Meningococcemia

Rarely:

  • Pneumonia
  • Septic arthritis
  • Pericarditis
  • Conjunctivitis

Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites i.e. genital, pharynx.

Classic sign is petechial rash

Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded setting

Vaccinations

  • (Menveo) Quadrivalent conjugate vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y
  • (Bexsero) vaccine prevents disease by serogroup B

Post exposure prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers directly exposed to oral secretions Regimen Options

Rifampin

  • < 1 mo: 5 mg/kg, PO q12hr x 2 days
  • ≥1 mo: 10 mg/kg, PO q12hr x 2 days (max 600 mg/dose)

Ceftriaxone

  • <12 years: 125 mg, IM x 1 dose
  • ≥12 years: 250 mg, IM x 1 dose

Ciprofloxacin

  • <12 years: 20 mg/kg, PO x 1 dose (max 500 mg)
  • ≥12 years: 500 mg, PO x 1 dose