Meningococcal Pneumonia in a Patient With Pulmonary Amyloidosis and a Recent COVID-19 Infection

A 64-year-old man visited our outpatient clinic with chief complaints of high fever and throat pain. His medical history was significant for pulmonary amyloidosis that was observed at our outpatient clinic, and his recent recovery from COVID-19. Findings from imaging studies included thickening of the bronchial walls, infiltrates of the left upper lobe, and pre-existing pulmonary nodules from amyloidosis. A peripheral blood examination revealed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels. His signs and symptoms suggested bronchopneumonia and antimicrobial treatment was initiated. Sputum microscopic examination revealed gram-negative cocci and culture growth revealed to be Neisseria meningitidis, with follow-up bacterial specimens after treatment demonstrating diminished microbes. Despite a medical history of amyloidosis and COVID-19, the patient's clinical course resulted in favorable outcomes. The N. meningitidis infection is a rare condition in generally healthy individuals, and certain conditions may be related to the contraction of the pathogen, otherwise seen primarily in immunocompromised hosts. In our case, the medical history of amyloidosis and recent COVID-19 infection may have contributed to the development of meningococcal bronchopneumonia.