The meningococcus usually causes septicemia before it reaches the meninges.

The meningococcus usually causes septicemia before it reaches the meninges.

• A. Sometimes
• B. Not enough data
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Neisseria meningitidis typically invades the bloodstream after nasopharyngeal colonization, causing septicemia, and this hematogenous spread can seed the meninges to produce meningitis. Because bacteremia is a common early step in meningococcal disease, septicemia often precedes CNS involvement, so the statement aligns with the usual pattern. Clinically, septicemia presents with fever and sometimes a purpuric rash or shock, and meningitis signs may develop as the infection reaches the meninges. While meningitis can occur with or without a preceding septicemic phase in some cases, the common sequence supports calling the statement true.

Neisseria meningitidis typically invades the bloodstream after nasopharyngeal colonization, causing septicemia, and this hematogenous spread can seed the meninges to produce meningitis. Because bacteremia is a common early step in meningococcal disease, septicemia often precedes CNS involvement, so the statement aligns with the usual pattern. Clinically, septicemia presents with fever and sometimes a purpuric rash or shock, and meningitis signs may develop as the infection reaches the meninges. While meningitis can occur with or without a preceding septicemic phase in some cases, the common sequence supports calling the statement true.