Abstract

REVIEW ON: MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

Gaurav D., Suchita G.* and Sachin P.

Abstract

Meningococcal disease describes infections caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (also termed meningococcus). It carries a high mortality rate if untreated but is a vaccine-preventable disease. While best known as a cause of meningitis, widespread blood infection can result in sepsis, which is a more damaging and dangerous condition. Meningitis and meningococcemia are major causes of illness, death, and disability in both developed and countries. There are approximately 2,600 cases of bacterial meningitis per year in the United States, and on average 333,000 cases in developing countries. The case fatality rate ranges between 10 and 20 percent.[1] The disease's pathogenesis is not fully understood. The pathogen colonies a large number of the general population harmlessly, but in some very small percentage of individuals it can invade the blood stream, and the entire body but most notably limbs and brain, causing serious illness. Over the past few years, experts have made an intensive effort to understand specific aspects of meningococcal biology and host interactions; however the development of improved treatments and effective vaccines is expected to depend on novel efforts by workers in many different fields.[2] This text reviews the pathophysiology of meningococcal disease- definition, types of meningococcal disease, causes, risk factor, how it spread to others, signs and symptoms.

Keywords: Meningococcal disease.