Meningococcus is one of the most common causes of meningitis all over the world. In the routine vaccination program in our country, vaccination is carried out against pneumococcus and hemophilus influenza type b, which cause meningitis. But routine vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is not yet available. This vaccine is available optionally for a fee.
Meningococcal infection may result in 10-14% death and 5-30% disability (such as deafness, convulsions, mental retardation, limb amputation and widespread tissue loss). The most common outbreaks are seen in children under 5 years of age and adolescents in the spring months.
The only source of meningococcal infections is humans. Asymptomatic carriers are important in transmission. Transmission occurs through droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions. Acute disease may occur as meningitis, meningococcemia with meningitis, or meningococcemia without meningitis. Meningococcus is a disease that progresses very quickly and can become fatal within hours.
Meningococcus is a microorganism in the form of an encapsulated gram-negative diplococcus. There are 5 most important serotypes (A, B, C, Y and W) according to the capsule polysaccharides that cause disease in humans. In our country, a combined conjugated meningitis vaccine has been administered against serotypes A, C, Y and W since 2013. However, the open serotype B vaccine has just been approved and started to be implemented in our country. It is important to receive both vaccines for complete protection. Meningococcus is one of the most common causes of meningitis all over the world. In our country, the routine vaccination program includes vaccination against pneumococcus and hemophilus influenza type b, which cause meningitis. But routine vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is not yet available. This vaccine is optional and paid.
Meningococcal infection can result in 10-14% death and 5-30% disability (such as deafness, seizures, mental retardation, limb amputation and widespread tissue loss). The most common outbreaks are seen in children under 5 years of age and adolescents in the spring months.
The only source of meningococcal infections is humans. Asymptomatic carriers are important in transmission. Transmission occurs through droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions. Acute disease may occur as meningitis, meningococcemia with meningitis, or meningococcemia without meningitis. Meningococcemia can be fatal within very rapidly advancing hours. It is a disease that can have a protracted course.
Meningococcus is a gram-negative diplococcus encapsulated microorganism. There are 5 most important serotypes (A, B, C, Y and W) according to the capsule polysaccharides that cause disease in humans.
Read: 0
