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Meningococcemia = bloodstream infection (septicemia) caused by Neisseria meningitidis (gram-negative diplococcus). It may occur with or without meningitis.

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• A fulminant form can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), septic shock, purpura fulminans, and Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (bilateral adrenal hemorrhage).

https://youtu.be/Z2EIbk8E5q8

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkdHelTlDZnHwXTn8QjWlN-GSSOlPSVIn

Etiopathology

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Pathogenesis: Bacterial endotoxin (lipooligosaccharide) → cytokine storm → endothelial injury, capillary leak, thrombosis, DIC → shock and multi-organ failure.

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• Causative agent: Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C, W-135, Y are common).
• Transmission: respiratory droplets, colonization of nasopharynx.

Risk factors:

• Crowded conditions (military barracks, dormitories).
• Complement deficiency (esp. C5–C9).
• Asplenia.
• Children, adolescents, young adults.

Clinical Features

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Rapid onset fever + petechial/purpuric rash + shock = meningococcemia (treat immediately).

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• Acute onset, rapid progression within hours.
• Early: fever, chills, malaise, myalgias, headache.
• Characteristic rash: petechial → purpuric, often starting on trunk/extremities → may progress to purpura fulminans.