Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord1
. It can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites1
. Here's a comprehensive ove...
Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord1
. It can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites1
. Here's a comprehensive overview:
Causes
Bacterial Meningitis: Caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae2
. It's the most severe form and can be fatal within hours if not treated promptly2
.
Viral Meningitis: Often less severe than bacterial meningitis and caused by viruses like enteroviruses, mumps, and herpes simplex virus2
.
Fungal Meningitis: Caused by fungi such as Cryptococcus and is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems2
.
Parasitic Meningitis: Less common and caused by parasites like Naegleria fowleri, which is found in warm freshwater.
Symptoms
Fever and Chills
Severe Headache
Stiff Neck
Nausea and Vomiting
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Confusion or Altered Mental State
Seizures
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including:
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): To collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis1
.
Blood Tests: To identify the presence of pathogens.
Imaging Studies: Such as CT or MRI scans to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
Bacterial Meningitis: Requires immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics2
.
Viral Meningitis: Often resolves on its own, but antiviral medications may be used in some cases.
Fungal and Parasitic Meningitis: Treated with antifungal or antiparasitic medications.
Prevention
Vaccination: Effective vaccines are available for some types of bacterial meningitis, such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae2
.
Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of viral meningitis.
Prophylactic Antibiotics: In some cases, close contacts of individuals with bacterial meningitis may be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
Complications
Hearing Loss
Brain Damage
Learning Disabilities
Seizures
Death
Epidemiology
Meningitis can affect individuals of all ages, but certain groups are at higher risk, including young children, adolescents, and the elderly2
. Epidemics are more common in regions with high population density and poor living conditions, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa2
.
Public Health Impact
Meningitis remains a significant public health challenge globally, with high case fatality rates and long-term complications2
. Efforts to improve vaccination coverage and public awareness are crucial in reducing the burden of this disease.
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Language: en
Added: Oct 20, 2024
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1 MENINGITIS Prepared by CI/ SAHAR ABDO
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 2
Meninges The meninges is the system of membranes which envelops the central nervous system. It has 3 layers : Dura mater Arachnoid mater Pia mater Subarachnoid space - is the space which exists between the arachnoid and the pia mater, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid . 10/20/2024 3
Clinical description Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. Caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. life-threatening cord; therefore, the condition is classified as a medical emergency . 10/20/2024 4
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 5 Causes Bacterial meningitis Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. A vaccine can help prevent this infection . Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). affects mainly teenagers and young adults. It may cause local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and military bases. A vaccine can help prevent infection .
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 6 Hemophilus influenzae (haemophiles). T ype b (Hib) bacterium was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Listeria monocytogenes (listeria ). Found in unpasteurized cheeses, hot dogs and luncheon meats. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible. Listeria can cross the placental barrier, and infections in late pregnancy may be fatal to the baby
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 7 Viral meningitis Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses common in late summer. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis . Fungal meningitis uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. It isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication Other meningitis causes noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis .
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 8 Skipping vaccinations . Age . children <age 5. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under < age 20. Living in a. community setting students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at greater risk of meningococcal meningitis. because the bacterium is spread by the respiratory route, and spreads quickly through large groups. Pregnancy . Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis — an infection caused by listeria bacteria, which also may cause meningitis. increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. Compromised immune system. AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs and other factors that affect your immune system also make you more susceptible to meningitis. Having your spleen removed also increases your risk, and patients without a spleen should get vaccinated to minimize that risk Risk factors
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 9 Symptoms Possible S&S in anyone older than the age of 2 include: Sudden high fever Stiff neck Severe headache that seems different than normal Headache with nausea or vomiting Confusion or difficulty concentrating Seizures Sleepiness or difficulty waking Sensitivity to light No appetite or thirst Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)
Symptoms can be the same for Viral and Bacterial 10/20/2024 10
11 Symptoms Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever Constant crying Excessive sleepiness or irritability Inactivity or sluggishness Poor feeding A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel) Stiffness in a baby's body and neck Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when held
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 12
DIAGNOSIS Tests that may be done include: lumbar puncture (" spinal tap") is done for CSF examination {cell count, glucose, and protein}. Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head urine culture 10/20/2024 13
CSF findings in different forms of meningitis Type of meningitis Glucose Protein Cells Acute bacterial low high PMNs often > 300/mm³ Acute viral normal normal or high mononuclear < 300/mm³ Tuberculous low high mononuclear and PMNs, < 300/mm³ Fungal low high < 300/mm³ Malignant low high usually mononuclear 10/20/2024 14
Blood tests :markers of inflammation (e.g. C-reactive protein, cbc ), In severe forms of meningitis, monitoring of blood electrolytes may be important; e.g , hyponatremia is common in bacterial meningitis. 10/20/2024 15
Kernig’s sign - patient lying supine, with the hip and knee flexed to 90 degrees. In a patient with a positive Kernig's sign, pain limits passive extension of the knee. Brudzinski signs - A positive Brudzinski's sign occurs when flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the knee and hip. 10/20/2024 16
Skin findings : Nonspecific blanching, erythematous , maculopapular rash to a petechial or purpuric rash. 6% of affected infants and children show signs of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and endotoxic shock. a poor prognosis . 10/20/2024 17
Meningococcal associated rash
Meningococcal Disease Meningococcal rash Rash may be initially pink and blanching and, on the trunk, and extremities Progressing to erythematous and non-blanching Petechiae typically seen initially on ankles, wrists, axillae, mucosal surfaces and conjuctivae and then spreading
20 Depends on the type of meningitis you or your child has : Bacterial meningitis: Intravenous antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. Your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis. Drain any infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear TREATMENT Noninfectious meningitis due to allergic reaction or autoimmune disease treated with corticosteroids
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 21 Viral meningitis Antibiotics can't cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in several weeks. Treatment includes: Bed rest Plenty of fluids Over-the-counter pain medications to help reduce fever and relieve body aches Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain, and an anticonvulsant medication to control seizures. If a herpes virus caused your meningitis, an antiviral medication is available If the cause of your meningitis is unclear, start antiviral and antibiotic treatment while the cause is determined
COMPLICATIONS Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion) Hearing loss Hydrocephalus Seizures DEATH 10/20/2024 22
receive preventive antibiotics}. 10/20/2024 23 Prevention Don't Share Personal Items Keep Your Distance From Infected People Wash Your Hands Vigorously Get Prompt Treatment { Boost Your Immune System Get Vaccinated If you're pregnant, take care with food. Reduce your risk of listeriosis by cooking meat
20 تشرين الأول، 24 SAHAR ABDO 24 Routine vaccinations for children Notable vaccines for children among preventable causes of meningitis include: The mengingococcal vaccine against type C meningococcus Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) that protects against pneumococcus infection. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine covers over 23 strains. viral causes like measles and mumps by the Measles, Mumps and the Rubella vaccine. {MMR VACCINE} DTaP /IPV/ Hib vaccination that protects against Hemophilus influenza type b, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio Childhood vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG has been reported to significantly reduce the rate of tuberculous meningitis