Humans are the only host and transmission is via contact. Gonorrhea occurs worldwide and generally affects persons aged 15-29. N. meningitidis inhabits the human nasopharynx. The symptoms of meningitis usually begin abruptly with headache and fever. However, confirmation of meningococcal infection requires bacteriologic culture.
Condoms are useful for preventing gonorrhea.
Avoiding contact with infected persons can prevent meningitidis. However, the number of resistant isolates continues to increase and other drugs must be employed in these cases. Penicillin is also the drug of choice for treating meningococcal meningitis. 1997-2001 Douglas F. Fix. All rights reserved.