Epireview : Meningococcal disease in New South Wales,1991–2002

Abstract

Meningococcal disease is caused by invasive infection with the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Humans are the only natural reservoir for N. meningitidis, 5–10 per cent of whom have naso-pharangeal colonisation of the bacteria at any given time. The bacteria are transmitted between people by secretions from the naso-pharynx. Disease occurs in rare instances when a virulent strain of the bacteria invades through the naso-pharynx. Disease can present in a variety of syndromes, usually meningitis and/or septicaemia, and more uncommonly pneumonia, otitis media, septic arthritis, urethritis, and purulent pericarditis.