[Clinical aspects and treatment of invasive meningococcal infections].

Clinical aspects and treatment of invasive meningococcal infections. Meningococcus, an obligate human bacteria commensal of the upper respiratory tract, could be the cause of extremely severe infectious diseases. The mortality associated with meningococcal diseases has dramatically decreased thanks to antimicrobial agents, optimal intensive care management and pre-admission antibiotics administration. However meningococcal sepsis and especially purpura fulminans are still responsible for a high case fatality stable over last years and for severe neurological and functional sequelae. This paper aims to outline the diagnostic strategy and management of patients with suspected meningococcal disease and to summarize the new guidelines of the French Public Health Department about chemoprophylaxis and management of clusters.