Because chlamydia infection is often associated with a gonococcal infection, a regimen of ceftriaxone and doxycycline is used to kill both organisms. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that N. meningitidis causes meningitis, inflammation of the membranes covering the central nervous system. The different strains of N. meningitidis are classified by their capsular polysaccharides. This bacterium is the second leading cause of meningitis in the United States. Early symptoms may include headache, fever, and vomiting.
Death can quickly follow due to endotoxin shock or focal cerebral involvement.
Infection doesn't always lead to death, however. The organism can often assume a carrier status with very few carriers actually developing the disease. Infected patients can be treated with penicillin, while rifampin may be used profilactically as a means of preventing the disease state in carriers.