Meningococcal BC: All - frequency - information need to know

Meningococcal BC is a dangerous acute disease with high rates of complications, mortality and sequelae. Knowing enough and right about this disease is the way for us to protect ourselves against this disease.

Meningococcal disease is an acute infectious disease caused by viruses or bacteria. The disease spreads through the respiratory tract and can become epidemic. Meningococcal BC is an inflammation of the brain caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The disease can occur at any season of the year, especially in winter and spring. The disease can happen to anyone, but mostly young children. It is worth mentioning that the disease progresses rapidly, has severe complications, and has very high mortality and sequelae. 

What is meningococcal BC?

Meningococcal disease BC

The cause of this extremely dangerous meningitis is Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (also known as Meningococcus bacteria). Initially, they enter the body from the environment, attack the respiratory system and then attack the brain. They cause inflammation of the membranes that cover the central nervous system. Among the causes of purulent meningitis , bacteria are the 2nd most common. 

Based on the types of bacterial polyozite antigens, people divide meningococcal bacteria into main groups: A, B, C, D, W-135, X, Y, Z. In which , the most common group of bacteria and the main cause of disease are groups A, B and C. Meningococcal BC is caused by the meningococcal bacteria Neisseria meningitidis belonging to serogroups B and C. 

Scientists classify bacteria by serogroup

Causes of meningococcal BC

The "culprit" of meningococcal BC is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria belonging to serogroups B and C - these are also two of the three most common groups in our country. Under the microscope, this bacterium is shaped like a coffee bean, often in pairs or small clusters. This type of bacteria can be killed in 5 minutes at 50 degrees Celsius or die within 30 seconds at 100 degrees Celsius.

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria belonging to serogroups B and C usually colonize the pharynx and nose, especially in children under 5 years of age. In some cases, carriers of this bacterium do not manifest clinical symptoms. In some cases, the body makes its own immunity and the bacteria disappear on their own. But in many cases, bacteria attack the respiratory system, digestive system, enter the bloodstream and attack the nervous system causing meningitis. 

This disease can completely spread in the community. Anyone can become a victim if exposed to secretions, saliva containing bacteria of an infected person. The group that is most at risk of this disease is children under 5 years old.

Meningococcal BC caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis can be epidemic

Symptoms of meningococcal BC

Healthy people are at risk of infecting meningococcal bacteria when: 

• Inhalation of respiratory secretions cures pathogenic bacteria.
• Close and long enough contact with the sick person.
• The sick person stands close and sneezes or coughs on himself.
• Living near, sharing living and eating utensils with the sick person.

The incubation period of meningococcal BC can range from 2 to 10 days depending on the individual. But most commonly, the disease will be incubated in the body for 3-4 days. Symptoms of meningococcal BC are quite similar to those of meningitis caused by other groups of bacteria. Typically as: 

• The patient feels fatigued and lifeless.
• The fever may be mild at first, but then the fever rises above 39 degrees.
• Abnormal pain in the head, neck and shoulders.
• Feeling afraid of light.
• The person feels nauseous, may vomit a lot or be nauseous all the time.
• Unusual joint pain.
• Red spots may appear on the skin.

In children, parents can identify a child infected with bacteria that causes meningitis BC by symptoms such as: 

• In infants with fontanel still, the fontanel will show signs of bulging more than usual.
• The child has a high fever with cold hands and feet.
• Children cry a lot, get bored playing, stop eating, easily spit up, even some children throw up.
• Children breathe fast.
• Many children have symptoms of seizures.
• The child is lethargic, sleepy.
• There is a rash on the skin, even a necrotic rash.

If meningococcal disease BC is recognized early through the initial symptoms, the patient will be treated promptly, reducing dangerous complications.

Normal meninges and inflamed meninges

Meningococcal BC dangerous?

Meningococcal BC disease, if detected early, with timely treatment can be completely cured. The rate of patients being cured can be up to 85% - 95%. However, this disease is dangerous because it progresses very quickly. From simple symptoms such as low-grade fever can lead to blood poisoning, multi-organ failure even death within 24 hours. 

Many cases of patients with late diagnosis and delayed treatment face many serious health sequelae in the long run. The most common sequelae of this disease are: 

• The patient's body after being cured of the disease still suffers from prolonged fatigue leading to weakness. 
• Vision and hearing are severely impaired, many people suffer from sequelae of blindness, dumbness, deafness, and strabismus
• Damage to bones and tissues after illness.
• Paraplegia or hemiplegia due to focal nerve damage.
• Memory is severely impaired, many people have epilepsy, mental disorders, and intellectual decline.

Patients with meningococcal BC, when treated, the mortality rate still accounts for 5% - 15%. If the patient is treated 3 days after the onset of the disease, the mortality rate even rises to 28%. There are 10% - 20% of patients with brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss...

Hearing loss after meningococcal BC

Meningococcal BC . vaccine 

Meningococcal BC vaccine is vaccinated to create immunity, to actively prevent Meningococcal meningitis of serogroups B and C. Vaccination is the most scientific and effective way to prevent disease. 

Meningococcal BC vaccine is suitable for children aged 6 months to adults aged 45 years. The full injection dose consists of 2 injections, each 6 - 8 weeks apart. People who should not get the meningococcal vaccine should also not get the meningococcal BC vaccine. It is usually people who have a fever, an infection, an allergy to a drug's ingredients, a pregnant woman, etc.

Meningococcal BC is a disease with high mortality and sequelae. When there are any signs of suspected disease, family members need to take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible for timely treatment. Even people who are cured of the disease may experience permanent sequelae. So right now, the most effective way for you and your family to prevent disease is still to get the full dose of vaccines.