[Chronic meningococcemia with meningitis triggered by steroid therapy].
We present a case of chronic meningococcemia in a 27-year-old male with seven weeks of cyclic fever, arthralgia, and exanthema. While numerous blood cultures were negative, immunosuppressive treatment led to acute meningitis, and Neisseria meningitidis was detected. Serial meningococcal antibody tests were retrospectively analyzed and showed discrete seroconversion. Chronic meningococcemia is important to recognize since it can lead to acute meningitis in immunosuppressed or untreated patients resulting in high morbidity and mortality.
Molly-Søholm
Mette
M
Infektionsmedicinsk Afdeling Q, Arhus Universitetshospital, Skejby, 8200 Arhus N, Denmark. mettmoll@rm.dk
Nielsen
Jeppe Sylvest
JS
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone