Penicillin or Ampicillin - Once susceptibilities available
Chloramphenicol or ciprofloxacin - If beta lactam allergy
Colonizer and cause of invasive disease:
Meningitis
Meningococcemia
Rarely:
Pneumonia
Septic arthritis
Pericarditis
Conjunctivitis
Generally of little significance when cultured from nonsterile sites i.e. genital, pharynx.
Classic sign is petechial rash
Occurs in outbreaks particularly in crowded setting
Vaccinations
(Menveo) Quadrivalent conjugate vaccine prevents disease by serogroups A/C/W-135/Y
(Bexsero) vaccine prevents disease by serogroup B
Post exposure prophylaxis may be required for close contacts and healthcare workers directly exposed to oral secretions
Regimen Options
Rifampin
< 1 mo: 5 mg/kg, PO q12hr x 2 days
≥1 mo: 10 mg/kg, PO q12hr x 2 days (max 600 mg/dose)
Ceftriaxone
<12 years: 125 mg, IM x 1 dose
≥12 years: 250 mg, IM x 1 dose
Ciprofloxacin
<12 years: 20 mg/kg, PO x 1 dose (max 500 mg)
≥12 years: 500 mg, PO x 1 dose
