What sign would differentiate meningococcal meningitis from pneumococcal meningitis?
A) Petechiae are seen in meningococcal meningitis but not in pneumococcal meningitis.
B) Petechiae are seen in pneumococcal meningitis but not in meningococcal meningitis.
C) Headache and neck stiffness are experienced with meningococcal meningitis but not with pneumococcal meningitis.
D) Headache and neck stiffness are experienced with pneumococcal meningitis but not with meningococcal meningitis.
E) It is impossible to differentiate between pneumococcal meningitis and meningococcal meningitis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Petechiae, or small red or purple spots on the skin that do not blanch with pressure, are a classic sign of meningococcal meningitis but are not typically seen in pneumococcal meningitis. This is due to the fact that meningococcal meningitis often causes septicemia (bloodstream infection) which leads to the development of petechiae. Other symptoms, such as headache and neck stiffness, can be present in both types of meningitis.

What Sign Would Differentiate Meningococcal Meningitis from Pneumococcal Meningitis