Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcal disease)

Neisseria meningitidis infections of the genital tract used to be considered rare, but more cases are appearing. Identifying this bacteria can be difficult. This is considered a sexually transmitted infection when it appears in the genitals or urinary tract, which can be transmitted from the nose/mouth of a sexual partner.

About 10 per cent of the population carry N. meningitidis in their nose and throat, with those aged between 15 and 24 the most affected, up to 37 per cent. In men, this infection seems to be mostly harmless, but in women, it can cause severe disease.

Symptoms of Neisseria meningitidis infection

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding
• Urethral discharge
• Urethritis
• Cervicitis
• Salpingitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Vulvovaginitis
• Proctitis
• Peritonitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Meningitis

Treatment of N. meningitidis

Standard treatment of N. meningitidis is antibiotic therapy.