Dermatologic Emergencies

dermatology-emergencieskapak-1-0-25

Meningococcemia

Adil Emre GEZER
Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

Gezer AE. Meningococcemia. In: Oğuztürk H, Görmeli Kurt N, eds. Dermatologic Emergencies. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.55-9.

ABSTRACT

Meningococcemia is an infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It is the most important bacterium among the causes of bacterial meningitis in adults and children. Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis worldwide. Meningococcemia can present as sepsis and bacteremia. Clinical manifestations of meningococcemia can range from mild symptoms to severe conditions that can lead to sudden death. Early diagnosis is critical for initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy and supportive care. For early diagnosis, the presence of rashes with fever should raise the possibility of meningococcal infection. Rashes are generally characterized by petechial rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. These petechial rashes eventually develop into palpable purpura and may merge and lead to the development of purpura fulminans. Palpable purpura is a pathognomonic finding for meningococcemia. Meningococcal disease can occur both endemically and epidemically worldwide. Today, with the increase in vaccination practices, the incidence of meningococcemia has decreased significantly. In patients suspected of having meningococcemia, ceftriaxone should be chosen as the first choice treatment without delay. In patients with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of meningococcemia, isolation is recommended only for the first 24 hours after ceftriaxone treatment. Bacteria cannot be detected in the human body 1 day after starting treatment. Ciprofloxacin, rifampin and ceftriaxone should be preferred for prophylaxis.

Keywords: Meningitis; meningococcal; skin disorders; purpura

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