Mimeae Meningitis and Sepsis

Abstract

A review of the English literature reveals 30 cases of meningitis and 45 cases of sepsis due to Mimeae organisms. The mortalities for the two conditions were 27% and 40% respectively. A petechial rash was noted in 30% of the meningitis cases. Some underlying disease was frequently present in the cases of sepsis, whereas most of the cases of meningitis occurred in younger, otherwise healthy individuals. The clinician should be aware of the ability of Mimeae infections to mimic meningococcal infections and also of the variable antibiotic sensitivity of these organisms.