MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Meningococcal infection is a medical condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It is characterized by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. This infection is typically acquired through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual.
Meningococcal infection can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild illness to severe, life-threatening conditions. Common symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, and a skin rash that may appear as small, red-purple spots. Other signs may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
The infection can progress rapidly, leading to serious complications such as meningitis, which is the inflammation of the meninges, or septicemia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. These severe forms of meningococcal infection require immediate medical attention as they can lead to organ damage, blood poisoning, and even death if left untreated.
Prevention of meningococcal infection is possible through vaccination, especially in individuals at high risk, such as infants, adolescents, and college students living in close quarters. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital in managing the condition and preventing further complications.
Given the potential severity and rapid progression of meningococcal infection, it is crucial to raise awareness about its symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures to ensure early detection and appropriate medical intervention.
Common Misspellings for MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION
- neningococcal infection
- keningococcal infection
- jeningococcal infection
- mwningococcal infection
- msningococcal infection
- mdningococcal infection
- mrningococcal infection
- m4ningococcal infection
- m3ningococcal infection
- mebingococcal infection
- memingococcal infection
- mejingococcal infection
- mehingococcal infection
- menungococcal infection
- menjngococcal infection
- menkngococcal infection
- menongococcal infection
- men9ngococcal infection
- men8ngococcal infection
- menibgococcal infection
Etymology of MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION
The term "meningococcal infection" combines two key components: "meningococcal" and "infection".
The word "meningococcal" refers to the specific bacterium responsible for causing the infection, Neisseria meningitidis. It is derived from two elements: "meningo-" and "-coccal".
- "Meningo-" comes from the Greek word "meninx", which means "meninges". The meninges are the three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. In medical terminology, words that include "meningo-" typically indicate their association with the meninges.
- The suffix "-coccal" is derived from the noun "cocci" (singular: coccus), which means "a spherical bacterium". It is used to describe bacteria that have a characteristic round shape.
