Transmission routes of Neisseria meningitidis
Sep 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
The transmission routes of Neisseria meningitidis include respiratory transmission and bloodborne transmission. The bacteria enter the air via droplets, then enter the bloodstream through the respiratory tract, spreading to the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to meningitis. Sharing of injection needles during blood transfusion, animal bites, insect bites, or breaches in the skin or mucous membranes can allow Neisseria to enter the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system, causing intracranial infection and resulting in meningitis.
Transmission routes of Neisseria meningitidis include respiratory transmission and bloodborne transmission.
1. Respiratory Transmission
When patients with meningitis cough, sneeze, or speak normally, the bacteria can spread into the air via respiratory droplets. If healthy individuals inhale these contaminated droplets, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the respiratory tract, then spread to the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to meningitis.
2. Bloodborne Transmission
Transmission can also occur through sharing needles during blood transfusions with an infected individual, or when the bacteria enter the bloodstream through animal bites, insect bites, or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to the brain and cause intracranial infection, resulting in meningitis.
Individuals undergoing kidney dialysis, those with abnormal spleen function or splenectomy, cranial congenital defects, head trauma, or a history of brain surgery, as well as people with respiratory or ear infections, cochlear implants, a history of intravenous drug use, HIV infection, or chronic alcoholism, are all at increased risk of developing meningitis, which may present with symptoms such as neck stiffness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
