Analysis index

Pathogen detection: 2 ml CSF, blood culture, aspirate from hemorrhagic skin infiltrations, swabs from nasopharynx area on the search for meningococcus carriers.

Antigen demonstration: 2 ml CSF for the agglutination test: Due to the distinctive environmental sensitivity of meningococcus, the material must be transported to the laboratory at room temperature as fast as possible. An advance notice by telephone would be appreciated.

Meningitis, sepsis, Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

In accordance with §7 IfSG, the laboratory will report any direct detection of Neisseria meningitides from CSF, blood, hemorrhagic skin infections or other sterile areas to the health authorities, stating the patient’s name. Furthermore, the treating physician must report any suspicion, disease or death of meningococcus-related meningitis or sepsis in accordance with §6 IfSG.

Sepsis or meningitis caused by meningococcus is very rare in Germany, however, the course of these diseases is very dramatic and connected with a high mortality rate. Only virulent pathogens lead to disease. An asymptomatic colonization of the nasopharynx is seen in approximately 10 % of the population, in adolescents or people living in shared accommodation it is up to 30 %.