Meningococcal disease
What are meningitis and septicemia?
Meningitis and septicemia are serious conditions caused by an infection. Both conditions can lead to life-threatening symptoms in a matter of hours, and early treatment is essential.
Several kinds of infection can cause meningitis. You could be infected by
viruses,
bacteria or
fungi.
viruses
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.
bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
fungus
A fungus is an organism that is sometimes considered to be a type of plant. A fungus lives by feeding on other organisms. The mushrooms we eat in salads are fungi, but so are candida and cryptococcus, which can cause infections in people's bodies.
A fungus is an organism that is sometimes considered to be a type of plant. A fungus lives by feeding on other organisms. The mushrooms we eat in salads are fungi, but so are candida and cryptococcus, which can cause infections in people's bodies.
- When one of these germs infects the fluid in your
spinal cord
Your spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs down your backbone (spine). These nerves carry messages between your brain and the rest of your body. The bones (vertebrae) in your neck and back protect your spinal cord. If your spinal cord gets damaged, you may lose feeling in your legs or arms.spinal cord and around your brain, it's called meningitis.Source:
Medline Plus.
Meningitis: meningococcal.
Available at http://medlineplus.gov (accessed 2 June 2008).
1 Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the layers of tissue around your brain and spinal cord. - If the germ gets into your blood, it can cause blood poisoning (septicemia).
This information looks at meningitis and
septicemia caused by bacteria called meningococcus. These infections are also called meningococcal disease. We haven't looked at meningitis caused by a virus, which tends to be a less serious illness.
2
septic shock
Septic shock is a serious condition caused by a large number of bacteria getting into your blood. It's also called septicaemia, sepsis or blood poisoning. Usually, when bacteria get into your blood, your immune system kills them. But if your immune system isn't working well, it can get overwhelmed. Then, the bacteria multiply and start to release poisonous chemicals (called toxins) into your blood. These chemicals cause your blood pressure to drop massively. When this happens, organs such as your brain, heart, kidneys and liver may not be able to work properly because they aren't getting enough blood. Septic shock needs to be treated urgently, usually with antibiotics, to stop these vital organs failing and to prevent death.
Septic shock is a serious condition caused by a large number of bacteria getting into your blood. It's also called septicaemia, sepsis or blood poisoning. Usually, when bacteria get into your blood, your immune system kills them. But if your immune system isn't working well, it can get overwhelmed. Then, the bacteria multiply and start to release poisonous chemicals (called toxins) into your blood. These chemicals cause your blood pressure to drop massively. When this happens, organs such as your brain, heart, kidneys and liver may not be able to work properly because they aren't getting enough blood. Septic shock needs to be treated urgently, usually with antibiotics, to stop these vital organs failing and to prevent death.
Source:
Logan SA, MacMahon E.
Clinical review: viral meningitis.
BMJ. 2008; 336: 36-40.
Logan SA, MacMahon E.
Clinical review: viral meningitis.
BMJ. 2008; 336: 36-40.
There are lots of different kinds of meningococcal bacteria. Most meningococcal disease is caused by groups called A, B, C,
W-135, and Y. Group B is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the United States.
You can get meningitis or septicemia on their own. Or you can get both at the same time. Of the two diseases, septicemia is
the most dangerous.
Of the people who get infected with meningococcal bacteria:
3
Source:
Meningitis Research Foundation.
Disease information: Meningococcal.
February 2007. Available at http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info (accessed on 2 June 2008).
Meningitis Research Foundation.
Disease information: Meningococcal.
February 2007. Available at http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info (accessed on 2 June 2008).
- About 5 in 10 get both meningitis and septicemia
- About 3 in 10 just get septicemia
- About 2 in 10 just get meningitis.
Source:
Bilukha OO, Rosenstein N.
Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations and Reports. 2005; 54: 1-21.
Bilukha OO, Rosenstein N.
Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations and Reports. 2005; 54: 1-21.
Source:
Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations for use of meningococcal vaccines in pediatric patients.
Pediatrics. 2005; 116: 496-505.
Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations for use of meningococcal vaccines in pediatric patients.
Pediatrics. 2005; 116: 496-505.
Children whose parents smoke seem to be at greater risk of meningococcal disease. So do children who live in poor conditions.
There are vaccines that help prevent some types of meningococcal disease, but not group B. To read more, see Who should be vaccinated?
Sources for the information on this page:
- Medline Plus.Meningitis: meningococcal.Available at http://medlineplus.gov (accessed 2 June 2008).
- Logan SA, MacMahon E.Clinical review: viral meningitis.BMJ. 2008; 336: 36-40.
- Meningitis Research Foundation.Disease information: Meningococcal.February 2007. Available at http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info (accessed on 2 June 2008).
- Bilukha OO, Rosenstein N.Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations and Reports. 2005; 54: 1-21.
- Committee on Infectious Diseases.Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations for use of meningococcal vaccines in pediatric patients.Pediatrics. 2005; 116: 496-505.
This information was last updated on Nov 18, 2008
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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