Vesna Jarc
General hospital Novo mesto, Novo mesto, Slovenija
Neisseria meningitidis, intensive care unit, antibiotics, monitoring
''2. Međunarodni kongres HDMSARIST-a''
Šibenik, 23.-26. travnja 2009. godine
Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a rare but devastating disease with high
mortality and substantial sequelae. They can also cause outbreaks and can therefor represent importane
public health problem.
Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms and treatment is the mainstay of survival.
Correct and early diagnosis, aggressive treatment and fast transport to the intensive care unit is essential to
prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Because of the risks of severe illness and death, however,
effective antibiotics should be promptly administered in patients suspected of having meningococcal disease.
There should be no delay (not even due to diagnostical procedures) in receiving the first dose of antibiotic.
The most urgent priority for prevention after a case of meningococcal disease has been identified is to give
the patient's close contacts an effective antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis.
Invasive meningococcal disease (caused by N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W -135) can also be
prevented with he quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine.
Management of the patients with invasive meningococcal disease in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a
challenge and requires skilled medical staff with 24-hours monitoring and high level technology. The disease
progression is rapid and the patient depends on the nursing team.