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What is bacterial meningitis article?

What is bacterial meningitis article?

Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection of the meninges, resulting in inflammation. The infection is either community-acquired or nosocomial. Community-acquired bacterial meningitis is the result of the invasion of the bacteria into the meninges from bacteremia or direct extension from local infection.

What is bacterial meningitis Pubmed?

Bacterial meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges, which is the protective covering for the brain and spinal cord resulting in inflammation. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Which bacteria is responsible for bacterial meningitis?

Several strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis, most commonly: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the United States. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections.

How is bacterial meningitis acquired?

Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause this form of infection are spread through close personal contact, such as: coughing. sneezing.

What is the prophylactic treatment for bacterial meningitis?

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Exposure to Meningococcal Disease

Antibiotic Age range Dosage and route
Adults 600 mg orally every 12 hours
Ciprofloxacin† (Cipro) Adults 500 mg orally
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) Patients younger than 15 years 125 mg intramuscularly
Patients 15 years and older 250 mg intramuscularly

Is there a vaccine for meningitis?

Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States: Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menactra®, Menveo®, and MenQuadfi®)

What is the body’s response to bacterial meningitis?

Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can affect every part of your body. Fever and other symptoms can come on suddenly and progress very quickly, causing devastating effects. Headache can be an early warning sign of meningitis. Residual headaches may be a problem for some time.

What is pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis?

The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis involve a complex interplay between virulence factors of the pathogens and the host immune response [4,5]. Much of the damage from this infection is believed to result from cytokines released within the CSF as the host mounts an inflammatory response.

Why is bacterial meningitis worse than viral?

The clues that the doctor uses are the levels of white cells, protein and glucose in the CSF. Typically in bacterial meningitis the white cell count is much higher than in viral meningitis (and is a different type of white cell), the protein is much higher and the glucose is much lower than in viral meningitis.

How does bacterial meningitis affect the brain?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.

What virus can cause meningitis?

Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:

  • meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z.
  • pneumococcal bacteria.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.
  • enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection.
  • the mumps virus.

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Ruth Doyle