Describe the transmission of the meningococcus, and discuss the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease in the body including associated signs and symptoms. Solution Transmission: Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.Meningococcal disease is spread from person to person.The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions such as saliva or spit,during close or lengthy contact,especially if living in the same household.The bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningococcal disease has been.Sometimes bacteria spread to people who have had close or lengthy contact with a patient with meningococcal disease.People in the same household,roommates,or anyone with direct contact with a patient\'s oral secretions would be considered at increased risk of getting the infection. Pathogenesis: Meningococcal disease causes life-threatening meningitis and sepsis conditions.In the case of meningitis,bacteria attack the lining between the brain and skull called the meninges.The meninges begin to swell and affects the central nervous system.The sepsis type of infection is more deadly,and results in a severe blood poisoning called meningococcal sepsis which affects the entire body.In this,bacterial toxins rupture blood vessels and can rapidly shut down vital organs.Within hours,patient\'s health can change from seemingly good to mortality. This bacterium is surrounded by a slimy outer coat that contains disease-causing endotoxin. The levels of endotoxin produced by meningococcal bacteria are 100 to 1,000 times greater than normal.As the bacteria multiply and move through the bloodstream,it sheds concentrated amounts of toxin.The endotoxin directly affects the heart,reducing its ability to circulate blood,and also build pressure on blood vessels throughout the body such that some blood vessels start to hemorrhage,major organs like the lungs and kidneys gets damaged.Patients suffering from meningococcal disease are treated with a large dose of antibiotic.The systemic antibiotic flowing through the bloodstream rapidly kills the bacteria but,as the bacteria are killed,even more toxin is released.It takes many days for the toxin to get neutralised from the body by using treatment. Signs and symptoms: The most common symptoms are a stiff neck,high fever,sensitivity of light ,confusion, headaches and vomitings.Bacterial meningitis may result in brain damage,hearing loss or a learning disability.Meningococcal septicaemia is characterized by a haemorrhagic rash and rapid circulatory collapse..