Question:medium
What is the drug of choice for chemoprophylaxis in close contacts of a patient diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis?
What is the drug of choice for chemoprophylaxis in close contacts of a patient diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis?
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Close contact of meningococcal meningitis: prophylaxis commonly includes ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, or ceftriaxone.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
- Doxycycline
- Amoxicillin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Vancomycin
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the preferred pharmacological agent used to prevent the spread of Neisseria meningitidis among individuals who have had significant contact with an infected patient.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Meningococcal Disease: Meningitis caused by \textit{N. meningitidis} is a medical emergency that can spread rapidly via respiratory droplets. Chemoprophylaxis is aimed at eradicating the nasopharyngeal carriage of the bacteria in close contacts to prevent secondary cases.
Close Contacts: These include household members, daycare center contacts, and anyone directly exposed to the patient’s oral secretions (e.g., through kissing or shared utensils). High-risk exposures also include healthcare workers performing procedures like intubation without a mask.
Drug of Choice - Ciprofloxacin: In adults, a single oral dose of 500 mg of Ciprofloxacin is highly effective, convenient, and considered a first-line agent. It rapidly reduces the carrier state.
Other First-line Agents: Rifampicin (given twice daily for 2 days) is also a standard choice but requires multiple doses. Ceftriaxone (single IM injection) is the preferred choice for pregnant women as fluoroquinolones are generally avoided.
Why others are incorrect: Doxycycline and Amoxicillin are not reliable for eradicating nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococci. Vancomycin is a potent IV antibiotic used for treating resistant infections (like MRSA) but is not used for prophylaxis in this context.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Ciprofloxacin is the most appropriate oral, single-dose drug of choice for meningococcal chemoprophylaxis in adult close contacts.
The question asks for the preferred pharmacological agent used to prevent the spread of Neisseria meningitidis among individuals who have had significant contact with an infected patient.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Meningococcal Disease: Meningitis caused by \textit{N. meningitidis} is a medical emergency that can spread rapidly via respiratory droplets. Chemoprophylaxis is aimed at eradicating the nasopharyngeal carriage of the bacteria in close contacts to prevent secondary cases.
Close Contacts: These include household members, daycare center contacts, and anyone directly exposed to the patient’s oral secretions (e.g., through kissing or shared utensils). High-risk exposures also include healthcare workers performing procedures like intubation without a mask.
Drug of Choice - Ciprofloxacin: In adults, a single oral dose of 500 mg of Ciprofloxacin is highly effective, convenient, and considered a first-line agent. It rapidly reduces the carrier state.
Other First-line Agents: Rifampicin (given twice daily for 2 days) is also a standard choice but requires multiple doses. Ceftriaxone (single IM injection) is the preferred choice for pregnant women as fluoroquinolones are generally avoided.
Why others are incorrect: Doxycycline and Amoxicillin are not reliable for eradicating nasopharyngeal carriage of meningococci. Vancomycin is a potent IV antibiotic used for treating resistant infections (like MRSA) but is not used for prophylaxis in this context.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Ciprofloxacin is the most appropriate oral, single-dose drug of choice for meningococcal chemoprophylaxis in adult close contacts.
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