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meningococcal

meningococcal

2 7.5
About a germ that causes meningitis, a serious brain infection
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɛnɪŋɡəˈkɒkəl/
  • Specialized
: meningocócico
  • The symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever and a rash.
  • meningococcal disease
  • meningococcal meningitis
  • meningococcal septicaemia

Examples

  • In 2010, Burkina Faso became the first country to introduce the meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT).

    Academic text (2014)
  • The WHO estimates that worldwide, 500,000 cases of meningococcal disease with 50,000 deaths occur every year.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And you mentioned meningococcal disease, which is uncommon but serious.

  • Her primary research interests are the prevention and control of meningococcal disease.

    Academic text (2014)
  • In this article, we explain the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and discuss that dilemma and how to manage it.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Until now, its use has been restricted to groups at high risk of developing invasive meningococcal disease.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Practice nurses will see meningococcal disease rarely but must retain a high index of suspicion.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Invasive meningococcal disease is not confined to children; it can affect any age group.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Travel health advisers and travelers should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease and the availability of vaccines for prevention.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Nevertheless, to guide interventions to prevent meningococcal disease, the occurrence of invasive disease is ultimately more informative.

    Academic text (2002)

Surface Forms

meningococcal positive

Morphology

meningococcal = meningococcus (transparent) = meningo + coccus + al

The adjective is a regular formation meaning 'relating to meningococcus', with the standard suffix -al.

Etymology

Meningococcal comes from two parts: meningo- meaning the thin 'coverings' around the brain, and -coccal from coccus, a word for a round 'berry' used to name round bacteria. So meningococcal means 'about the round bacteria that affect the brain coverings', which is why it describes infections that can cause meningitis.