3 CASES OF MENINGOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA

Three cases of pneumonia due to Neisseria meningitidis are described. In all three cases the organism was isolated only from blood cultures, but in the presence of good clinical and radiological evidence of pne umonia. The isolates belonged to three different serogroups: B type 2b , C, and Y. The cases illustrate the fact that N meningitidis can caus e pneumonia and that culture of blood plays an important part in the d iagnosis. Clinically there is nothing to differentiate meningococcal p neumonia from other causes of community acquired pneumonia. Predisposi ng factors include aspiration, immunosuppression, influenza, and adeno virus infections. When diagnosed, pneumonia due to N meningitidis shou ld be notified and prophylaxis given as for meningitis or septicaemia.