Treatment and prevention of N meningitidis infection

One of the most feared clinical scenarios is the acutely ill patient who presents with sudden onset of fever, rash, stiff neck, and headache. Although infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Neisseria meningitidis can cause such symptoms, meningococcal infection is perhaps the most feared. Aggressive supportive and antimicrobial interventions should be initiated in a timely manner. Prevention of this disease in contacts is also of the utmost importance, and all physicians should be aware of chemoprophylaxis recommendations and the benefits of available vaccines.