QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is the most common cause in neonates, so would be unlikely to be the cause of this 20 year old’s meningitis. The rash described is more typical of Neisseria meningitis, rather than Group B streptococcus.
10007683
d
Group B Streptococcus
QuestionChoice
This would cause a viral meningitis, meaning the cerebral fluid analysis would show a high glucose and low protein content. By contrast, this patient is presenting with meningococcal septicaemia. Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative organism.
10007681
b
Coxsackie Virus A
QuestionChoice
This would cause a viral meningitis, meaning the cerebral spinal fluid would show a high glucose and low protein. By contrast, this patient is presenting with meningococcal septicaemia. Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative organism.
10007682
c
Herpes simplex virus 2
QuestionChoice
This patient is presenting with meningococcal septicaemia. Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative organism. Typical features include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. The presence of a non-blanching rash indicates the infection has spread into the bloodstream.
10007680
a
Neisseria Meningitidis
QuestionChoice
This is cause found in immunosuppressed patients and often found in patients at the extremes of age, like newborns or the elderly. The non-blanching rash in the question is more likely to be caused by neisseria meningitis.
10007684
e
Listeria monocytogenes
Concept
Chapter
2693
4619
Meningitis
Topic
162
General practice
14083
A 20-year-old university student is bought into A&E after being found collapsed at home. The previous day she had complained of a headache and neck stiffness. On examination, there is a purpuric rash across her abdomen that does not disappear when pressure is applied.

A lumbar puncture is conducted. Cerebral spinal fluid analysis shows low levels of glucose, high white cell counts, and high protein levels.

Which of the following is the most likely causative organism?
a