# Meningococcal Purpura Fulminans: A Rare Presentation in an Adult Case of Serogroup W135 Infection

**Authors:** Usamah Al-Anbagi, Muayad K Ahmad, Mohamed G Mohamedali, Abdulrahman Saad, Marwa I Elaziz, Abdulqadir J Nashwan, Hatem M Abusriwil

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94253 · Cureus · 2025-10-09

## TL;DR

This paper describes a rare case of meningococcal purpura fulminans in an adult with a W135 infection, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting an unusual adult case with non-typical early symptoms leading to severe complications.

## Key findings

- The patient initially showed non-specific symptoms like sore throat before developing severe septic shock.
- The case underscores the variability in clinical presentation of meningococcal purpura fulminans.
- Aggressive treatment including antibiotics and intensive care was crucial for managing the condition.

## Abstract

Meningococcal purpura fulminans is a rare but serious complication of invasive Neisseria meningitidis infection, marked by widespread clotting problems and skin tissue death. Diagnosis can be tricky, especially when patients show unusual early symptoms that do not fit the classic pattern. We present an adult case infected with serogroup W135 who initially had non-specific symptoms such as sore throat, which progressed quickly to severe septic shock and purpura fulminans. The patient required intensive care and tailored treatments, including antibiotics and supportive care. This case highlights how varied the presentation can be and stresses the need for early recognition and aggressive management to improve outcomes and prevent lasting damage.

## Linked entities

- **Species:** Neisseria meningitidis (taxon 487)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** sore throat (MESH:D010612), death (MESH:D003643), septic shock (MESH:D012772), Meningococcal Purpura Fulminans (MESH:D055665), Infection (MESH:D007239)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596455/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596455/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596455