Final answer:
The treatment for disseminated meningococcemia involves intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, penicillin, or ampicillin with gentamicin, along with supportive care. Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but not a treatment for active disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment for disseminated meningococcemia involves administering intravenous antibiotics. Agents like third-generation cephalosporins, penicillin, and combinations of antibiotics such as ampicillin and gentamicin are preferred to combat the infection effectively. While oral antibiotics may be used as follow-up treatment after an initial intravenous course, they are not the primary treatment for acute cases. Furthermore, vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that causes meningococcemia, can provide both individual and herd immunity, reducing the incidence of the disease, though it is a preventive measure rather than a treatment.
In addition to specific antibiotic therapy, supportive care is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This can include fluids, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs, among others. The swift initiation of intravenous antibiotic therapy is critical in improving outcomes for patients with disseminated meningococcemia.