An unusual presentation of meningococcal meningitis.

PURPOSE: To present a unique case of meningococcal meningitis initially manifesting as isolated ocular symptoms in a 19-year-old contact lens wearer.

OBSERVATIONS: The patient presented with a two-day history of unilateral red and painful eye without systemic symptoms, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of contact lens-associated keratitis. A bacterial swab from the inferior fornix returned positive for N. meningitidis, prompting further evaluation. Diagnostic workup by the internal medicine service supported the diagnosis of meningitis and the patient was treated according to local guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS AND

IMPORTANCE

This case underscores the importance of maintaining a relatively low threshold for obtaining samples for microbiological testing in ocular surface conditions.