Term: Meningococcal Disease

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-05-05

Definition:

Infections caused by the bacterium meningococcus ( Neisseria meningitidis ). Many people carry meningococci bacteria without any harmful effects. But in rare instances, meningococci cause serious diseases, such as meningitis and meningococcemia, a widespread blood infection.

Related terms 

• Meningitis

References 

• Hilderman T, Katz A, Derksen S, McGowan K, Chateau D, Kurbis C, Allison S, Reimer JN. Manitoba Immunization Study. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2011. [Report] [Summary] (View)