The disease caused by gram-negative microorganisms meningococci is called meningococcal infection. In children, the symptoms of this disease manifest themselves in the form of inflammation in the nasal cavity, pharynx, and the phenomena of meningitis and meningococcemia. This is an anthroponous disease, indulging in the airway. Healthy carriage of the pathogen is very common.
The causative agent of the disease.
The cause of meningococcal infection is meningococcus, a gram-negative microorganism that is unstable in the environment. Once in the body, it enters the cerebrospinal fluid. Meningococcus is sensitive to antibiotics of the penicillin, tetracycline series. Penetrates into the body with inhaled air. In many people, when a pathogen enters, an asymptomatic meningococcal infection occurs. In children, the symptoms of the disease in uncomplicated forms are similar to acute respiratory disease. In some cases, the process is localized in the meninges and meningitis develops. Toxic shock may occur.
Meningococcal infection in children, symptoms of the disease
The incubation period of the virus in the body is from two to ten days (an average of about a week). Meningococcal infection in children begins with the prodromal period, characterized by symptoms of intoxication (malaise, irritability, tearfulness, headache) and inflammation of the nasopharynx, rhinitis and nasal congestion, low-grade fever. On these symptoms, the disease may end. In more severe cases, meningococcemia can develop - a septic condition that occurs as a result of the circulation of meningococcus in the blood. There is severe chills, hectic temperature, hemorrhagic syndrome. Pneumonia, inflammation of large joints, a collaptoid state with a transition to a coma may develop. A severe form of the disease is meningococcal meningitis. The disease proceeds violently, accompanied by severe headaches, meningeal signs (increased stiff neck muscles, positive pathological reflexes). The child throws back his head, cries, rolls his eyes, muscle tone is increased, tendon reflexes are enlivened, and convulsions may occur. In older children, herpetic eruptions may occur.
Diagnostics
On the basis of complaints, examination and laboratory diagnostics, a diagnosis is made - meningococcal infection. In children, mild symptoms of the disease are not much different from a respiratory viral infection. In more severe cases, leukocytosis is noted in blood tests, with a change in the blood formula. With spinal puncture, cerebrospinal fluid flows under pressure. At the beginning of the disease, it is transparent, and after that it can be cloudy and purulent. The diagnosis is confirmed when a pathogen is detected in the blood.
Complications
A serious form of the disease, fraught with the development of toxic shock with a drop in pressure and a transition to a coma, impaired adrenal function, cerebral edema with wedging stem and respiratory arrest.
Meningococcal infection, treatment and prevention of the disease.
The key to a favorable outcome of the disease is the early detection of the disease and the beginning of antibiotic therapy. Penicillin antibiotics are used , tetracyclines. Dosage is calculated from the body weight of the child. The duration of treatment is seven to ten days. When seizures occur, anticonvulsants are prescribed, diuretics are used to stop edema. Syndromic therapy is carried out, aimed at removing intoxication, preventing a drop in pressure and normalizing neurological status.
With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable. An ill child is under the supervision of a pediatrician, a neurologist for two years.
Preventive measures are reduced to the early detection of patients and their isolation, disinfection in hospitals.