Meningococcemia without meningitis in Japan

Intern Med. 2008;47(17):1543-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.1046. Epub 2008 Sep 1.

Abstract

We report a case of meningococcemia without meningitis, which is a rare infectious disease in Japan. A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with fever and joint pain. Her clinical presentation and the results of laboratory examination on admission suggested viral infection. However, her condition rapidly progressed to septic shock with fulminans purpura. Blood culture grew Neisseria meningitidis. She received antimicrobial therapy and underwent localized therapy for skin lesions. Meningococcal infection should be considered in patients who have fever along with skin rash or petechiae even when there are no signs of meningitis. In this report, we also review case reports of meningococcemia without meningitis in Japan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Meningococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Meningococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Meningococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / drug effects
  • Neisseria meningitidis / isolation & purification
  • Purpura Fulminans / diagnosis*
  • Purpura Fulminans / drug therapy
  • Purpura Fulminans / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents