What causes Purpuric rash in meningitis?

As this happens, the bacteria rapidly multiply and produce toxins which travel around the body causing damage to blood vessels and organs. As the blood vessels get damaged, blood starts to ‘leak’ into the surrounding tissue, often causing what looks like a ‘rash’ to appear on the skin.

What is the name of severe petechiae that can occur during a meningococcal infection?

Later the rash may become widespread or develop into bleeding spots under the skin (petechiae, ecchymoses, or purpura).

What is meningo encephalitis?

Meningoencephalitis is a very serious neurological condition resembling both meningitis and encephalitis – inflammation of the the meninges (covering of the CNS) and inflammation of the brain tissues respectively.

What infections cause purpura?

Those that cause purpuric rashes include meningococcal septicaemia, streptococcal septicaemia and diphtheria. Several acute viral infections also cause purpuric rashes. These include smallpox, chickenpox, measles, parvovirus B19 and haemorrhagic fevers caused by Ebola virus, Rift Valley virus and Lassa fever.

What makes meningococcemia a fatal disease?

Doctors call septicemia (a bloodstream infection) caused by Neisseria meningitidis meningococcal septicemia or meningococcemia. When someone has meningococcal septicemia, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply, damaging the walls of the blood vessels. This causes bleeding into the skin and organs.

What is Purpura Fulminans?

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a haematological emergency in which there is skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This may progress rapidly to multi-organ failure caused by thrombotic occlusion of small and medium-sized blood vessels.

Is meningococcal meningitis airborne?

Bacterial meningitis is NOT spread through casual contact or the airborne route; however, some bacteria can be spread by close contact with respiratory droplets (e.g., in daycare centers).