🦠 Waterhouse–Friderichsen Syndrome 🦠

Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by massive adrenal gland hemorrhage, leading to acute adrenal failure.

Question: Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome is caused by —

✅ Correct Answer: (a) Neisseria meningitidis

The most common cause of Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome is Neisseria meningitidis, a gram-negative diplococcus responsible for meningococcal septicemia.

In severe meningococcal infection:

• Endotoxins are released into the bloodstream
• Septic shock develops rapidly
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may occur
• Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage leads to acute adrenal insufficiency

This combination results in sudden circulatory collapse and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Why are the other options incorrect?

(b) Staphylococcus aureus → Can cause septicemia, but it is not the classic cause of this syndrome.

(c) Pseudomonas aeruginosa → Associated with hospital-acquired infections and burns, but not typically linked to Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome.

(d) Haemophilus influenzae → Can cause meningitis, but it is not the primary cause of this specific adrenal hemorrhagic syndrome.

✅ Exam Point:
Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome → Neisseria meningitidis
(Meningococcal septicemia → Adrenal hemorrhage)

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Strong recall • Nursing success