[Meningococcemia without meningitis: A report of two cases].

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcemia without meningitis is an often under recognized clinical form of invasive Neisseria meningitidis infection.

CASE REPORTS: We report two unusual cases of invasive meningococcal disease who presented with meningococcemia without distinct signs of meningitis or severe sepsis manifestation. In both cases, confirmation of the diagnosis is provided by meningococcal PCR performed on blood or skin lesion biopsy.

CONCLUSION: Clinical recognition of this entity is crucial for early antibiotic treatment and to avoid delayed diagnosis and potentially dangerous complications.