2. Definition
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the three
membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when
fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected.
The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Other
causes may include:
cancer
chemical irritation
Fungi
drug allergies
Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. They can be transmitted by
coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
4. Some Symptoms Of Meningitis
Viral meningitis in infants may cause:
Irritablility fever
lethargy
decreased appetite
5. In adults, viral meningitis may cause:
sensitivity to
bright light
Seizures
Nausea and
vomiting
Stiff neck Headaches Lethargy
6. Types of
Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Fungal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis
Parasitic Meningitis
Non-infectious Meningitis
Viral and bacterial infections are the most
common causes of meningitis. There are
several other forms of meningitis. Examples
include cryptococcal, which is caused by a
fungal infection, and carcinomatous, which is
cancer-related. These types are less common.
7. Each type of meningitis has a slightly different
cause, but each ultimately acts in the same way: A
bacterium, fungus, virus, or parasite spreads
through the bloodstream until it reaches the
brain, or spinal cord. There, it sets up in the lining
or fluids around these vital body parts and starts
developing into a more advanced infection.
Non-infectious meningitis is the result of a
physical injury or other condition; it doesn’t
involve an infection.
What is the etiology of
meningitis?
8. VIRAL MENINGITIS
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. These are more common during the
summer and fall, and they include:
coxsackievirus A
coxsackievirus B
Echoviruses
Other viruses can cause meningitis.
These include:
West Nile virus
influenza
mumps
HIV
measles
herpes viruses
Coltivirus, which causes Colorado tick fever
Viral meningitis typically goes away without treatment. However, some causes do need to be treated.
9. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria. It’s fatal if
left untreated.
The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are:
Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is typically found in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and
nasal cavity and can cause “pneumococcal meningitis”
Neisseria meningitides, which is spread through saliva and other respiratory fluids and
causes what’s called “meningococcal meningitis”
Haemophilus influenza, which can cause not only meningitis but infection of the blood,
inflammation of the windpipe, cellulitis, and infectious arthritis
Listeria monocytogenes, which are foodborne bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus, which is typically found on the skin and in the respiratory tract,
and causes “staphylococcal meningitis”
10. FUNGAL MENINGITIS
Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis. It’s caused by a fungus that infects your
body and then spreads from your bloodstream to your brain or spinal cord.
People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop fungal meningitis.
This includes people with cancer or HIV.
The most common funguses related to fungal meningitis include:
Cryptococcus, which is inhaled from dirt or soil that is contaminated with bird
droppings.
Blastomyces, another type of fungus found in soil, particularly in the Midwestern United
States.
Histoplasma, which is found in environments that are heavily contaminated with bat
and bird droppings, especially in the Midwestern States near the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers.
Coccidioides, which is found in soil in specific areas of the U.S. Southwest and South and
11. PARASITIC MENINGITIS
This type of meningitis is less common than viral or bacterial meningitis, and it’s caused
by parasites that are found in dirt, feces, and on some animals and food, like snails, raw
fish, poultry, or produce.
One type of parasitic meningitis is rarer than others. It’s called eosinophilic meningitis
(EM). Three main parasites are responsible for EM. These include:
Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Baylisascaris procyonis
Gnathostoma spinigerum
Parasitic meningitis is not passed from person to person. Instead, these parasites infect
an animal or hide out on food that a human then eats. If the parasite or parasite eggs
are infectious when they’re ingested, an infection may occur.
One very rare type of parasitic meningitis, amebic meningitis, is a life-threatening type
of infection. This type is caused when one of several types of ameba enters the body
through the nose while you swim in contaminated lakes, rivers, or ponds. The parasite
can destroy brain tissue and may eventually cause hallucinations, seizures, and other
12. Non - infectious MENINGITIS
Non-infectious meningitis is not an infection. Instead, it is
a type of meningitis that’s caused by other medical
conditions or treatments. These include:
lupus
a head injury
brain surgery
cancer
certain medications
17. How is meningitis diagnosed
Diagnosing meningitis starts with a health history and physical exam.
Age, dorm residence, and day care center attendance can be important
clues. During the physical exam, your doctor will look for:
a fever
an increased heart rate
neck stiffness
reduced consciousness
Your doctor will also order a lumbar puncture. This test is also called a
spinal tap. It allows your doctor to look for increased pressure in the
central nervous system. It can also find inflammation or bacteria in the
spinal fluid. This test can also determine the best antibiotic for
treatment.
18. Other tests may also be ordered to diagnose meningitis.
Common tests include the following:
Complete
blood count
{CBC}
Blood
culture
Chest X - rays
Chest X – rays can reveal the presence of pneumonia,
tuberculosis, or fungal infections. Meningitis can
occur after pneumonia. A chest X-ray showed the
right middle lobe and left lingular consolidation.
Consolidation refers to the alveolar airspaces being
filled with fluid, cells. Tissue, or other material.
identify bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can travel from
the blood to the brain. N. meningitidis and S.
pneumonia, among others, can cause both sepsis and
meningitis.
A complete blood count with differential is a general index of
health. It checks the number of red and white blood cells in
your blood. White blood cells fight infection. The count is
usually elevated in meningitis.
19. Other tests may also be ordered to diagnose meningitis.
Common tests include the following:
CT Scan
Cerebral oedema in bacterial meningitis.
Computed tomography scan of brain of a young
patient with meningitis (a). There is severe cerebral
oedema: the third ventricle is obliterated when
compared with the third ventricle (arrow) of a
normal individual (b)
The CT scan is a valuable tool in diagnosing
meningitis. The contrast dye that is injected during
the test can highlight brain, skull, and sinus
inflammation- all complications and signs of
meningitis.
20. Other tests may also be ordered to diagnose meningitis.
Common tests include the following:
Glass
test
Lumbar puncture
test
Your doctor may also conduct a glass test. For this
test, your doctor will roll a glass over the meningitis
rash. If the rash doesn’t fade under the pressure, it’s
likely meningitis rash. If it does fade, the unusual
spots on the skin may be the result of another
condition.
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed in your lower back,
in the lumbar region. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is
inserted between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) {L3 and L5} to
remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that
surrounds your brain and spinal cord to protect them from
injury. This test can detect meningitis, leukemia and other
illness.
21. Complications from meningitis
These complications are typically associated with meningitis:
Seizures
hearing loss
vision loss
memory problems
Arthritis
migraine headaches
brain damage
Hydrocephalus
a subdural empyema, or a buildup of fluid between the brain and the skull
A meningitis infection may produce bacteria in the bloodstream. These bacteria multiply
and some release toxins. That can cause blood vessel damage and leaking of blood into the
skin and organs.
A serious form of this blood infection can be life-threatening. Gangrene may damage skin
and tissue. In rare cases, amputation may be necessary. Several other serious
complications may occur in people with meningitis. Read more about them and the long-
term effects of an infection.
22. Risk factors for meningitis
Compromised
immunity
Community
living
Pregnancy
Age Working with
animals
26. Antibiotic therapy: neonates to age 1 month:
Age 0-7 days – 50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
Age 8-30 days – 50-100 mg/kg IV every 6 hours of
ampicillin and Gentamicin.
Alternative treatment consists of ampicillin plus
gentamicin. Gentamicin dosages are as follows:
Age 0-7 days – 2.5 mg/kg IV or intramuscularly (IM)
every 12 hours
Age 8-30 days – 2.5 mg/kg IV or IM every 8 hours
27. Antibiotic therapy: age 1-3 months:
In infants 1 to 3 months of age, the first-line agent is cefotaxime
(50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours, up to 12 g/day) or ceftriaxone (75
mg/kg initially, then 50 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to 4 g/day)
plus ampicillin (50-100 mg/kg IV every 6 hours). An alternative
agent is chloramphenicol (25 mg/kg orally or IV every 12 hours)
plus gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg IV or IM every 8 hours).
If the local prevalence of drug-resistant S pneumoniae (DRSP) is
higher than 2%, vancomycin (15 mg/kg IV every 8 hours) should
be added. Treatment with dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg IV every
12 hours for 2 days or 0.15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours for 4 days)
should be strongly considered, starting 15 to 20 minutes before
the first dose of antibiotics.
28. Antibiotic therapy: age 3 months to 7 years:
In older infants or young children (age 3 months to 7 years), the most
common microorganisms are S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, and H
influenzae. Primary treatment is with either cefotaxime (50 mg/kg IV
every 6 hours, up to 12 g/day) or ceftriaxone (75 mg/kg initially, then
50 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to 4 g/day).
If the prevalence of DRSP is greater than 2%, vancomycin (15 mg/kg
IV every 8 hours) should be added. In countries with a low
prevalence of DRSP, penicillin G (250,000 units/kg/day IM or IV in 3-4
divided doses) may be considered. Because of the increasing
prevalence of DRSP, penicillin G is no longer recommended in the
United States.
An alternative (which may also be chosen if the patient is severely
allergic to penicillin) is chloramphenicol (25 mg/kg orally or IV every
12 hours) plus vancomycin (15 mg/kg IV every 8 hours). Treatment
with dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for 2 days or 0.15
mg/kg IV every 6 hours for 4 days) should be strongly considered,
starting 15 to 20 minutes before the first dose of antibiotics.
29. Antibiotic therapy: age 7-50 years:
Cefotaxime – 50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours, up to 12 g/day
Ceftriaxone – 75 mg/kg initially, then 50 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to
4 g/day
Vancomycin – 15 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
Adult dosing is as follows:
Cefotaxime – 2 g IV every 4 hours
Ceftriaxone – 2 g IV every 12 hours
Vancomycin – 750-1000 mg IV every 12 hours or 10-15 mg/kg IV
every 12 hours
30. In areas with a low prevalence of DRSP{Drug Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae} ,
cefotaxime or ceftriaxone plus ampicillin is recommended. Pediatric dosing is as follows:
Cefotaxime – 50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours, up to 12 g/day
Ceftriaxone – 75 mg/kg initially, then 50 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to 4 g/day
Ampicillin – 50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours
Adult dosing is as follows:
Cefotaxime – 2 g IV every 4 hours
Ceftriaxone – 2 g IV every 12 hours
Ampicillin – 50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours
31. Antibiotic therapy: age ≥50 years:
In adults older than 50 years or adults with disabling
disease or alcoholism, the most common microorganisms
are S pneumoniae, coliforms, H influenza, Listeria species,
P aeruginosa, and N meningitidis.
Primary treatment, if the prevalence of DRSP is greater
than 2%, is with either cefotaxime (2 g IV every 4 hours) or
ceftriaxone (2 g IV every 12 hours) plus vancomycin (750-
1000 mg IV every 12 hours or 10-15 mg/kg IV every 12
hours). If the CSF gram stain shows gram-negative bacilli,
ceftazidime (2 g IV every 8 hours) is given. In areas of low
DRSP prevalence, treatment consists of cefotaxime (2 g IV
every 4 hours) or ceftriaxone (2 g IV every 12 hours) plus
ampicillin (50 mg/kg IV every 6 hours). Other options are
meropenem, TMP-SMX, and doxycycline.
32. Steroid therapy:
The use of corticosteroids (typically,
dexamethasone, 0.15 mg/kg every 6 hours for
2-4 days) as adjunctive treatment for bacterial
meningitis improves outcome by attenuating
the detrimental effects of host defenses (eg,
inflammatory response to the bacterial
products and the products of neutrophil
activation). Controversy surrounds this
practice, however, in that dexamethasone
may interrupt the cytokine-mediated
neurotoxic effects of bacteriolysis, which are at
maximum in the first days of antibiotic use.
33. Intrathecal antibiotics:
Intrathecal administration of antibiotics can be
considered in patients with nosocomial meningitis
(eg, meningitis developing after neurosurgery or
placement of an external ventricular catheter) that
does not respond to IV antibiotics. Although the
FDA has not approved any antibiotics for
intraventricular use, vancomycin and gentamicin
are often used in this setting. Other agents used
intrathecally include amikacin, polymyxin B, and
colistin.
Intrathecal antibiotic dosages have been
determined empirically and are adjusted on the
basis of the CSF concentrations of the agent.
34. Typical daily doses are as follows:
Vancomycin: 5-20 mg
Gentamicin: 1-2 mg in infants and
children, 4–8 mg in adults
Amikacin: 30 mg (range, 5-50 mg)
Polymyxin B: 2 mg in infants and children,
5 mg in adults
Colistin (usually formulated as
colistimethate sodium): 10 mg once daily
or 5 mg every 12 hours
35.
36. HEALTH EDUCATION
Advise close contacts of the patient with
meningitis that prophylactic treatment may be
indicated; they should check with their health care
providers or the local public health department.
Encourage the patient to follow medication
regimen as directed to fully eradicate the infectious
agent. Encourage follow-up and prompt attention
to infections in future.
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) is a rare viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick found in the western United States and western Canada. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat CTF. You can reduce your risk of infection by avoiding ticks.
Septicemia is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread. It can lead to sepsis, the body's reaction to the infection, which can cause organ damage and even death.
Tracheobronchitis occurs when the windpipe or bronchi become inflamed. This is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection.
Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.
Infectious arthritis is an infection in the joint. The infection comes from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that spreads from another part of the body.
Brain imaging studies of patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae meningitis from post-craniotomy meningitis groups.
No. 1, hydrocephalus (computed tomography, CT); {Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body}
No. 2, brain edema with compression effect (CT); {severe cerebral edema is fatal due to brain and brainstem compression as it presses against the skull or as one part of the brain pushes into another. pressure on blood vessels, reducing their ability to supply the brain cells with oxygen and essential nutrients.}
No. 3, brain abscess (CT); {A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.}
No. 4, brain abscess (CT); {A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.}
No. 5, subdural effusion (CT); {A subdural effusion is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trapped between the surface of the brain and the outer lining of the brain (the dura matter)}
No. 6, subdural effusion (CT); {A subdural effusion is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trapped between the surface of the brain and the outer lining of the brain (the dura matter) }
No. 7, ventriculitis (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI); {Ventriculitis is the inflammation of the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are responsible for containing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain. }
No. 8,brain abscess (CT); {A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.}
No. 9, hydrocephalus; {Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.}
No. 10,essentially intact in brain parenchyma (CT); {parenchymal injuries can occur directly from a forceful insult, shaking or impact (possibly simultaneously); or alternatively secondary to neurometabolic processes — cell death, oedema and metabolic failure.}
No. 11,ventriculitis (MRI); ); {Ventriculitis is the inflammation of the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are responsible for containing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain. }
No. 12, brain abscess (CT). {A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.}
MMP : Matrix metalloproteinases
NO : Nitric oxide
ICP : Intracranial pressure
The subarachnoid space is the interval between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater. It is occupied by delicate connective tissue trabeculae and intercommunicating channels containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as branches of the arteries and veins of the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury. The fluid is normally clear. In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein. CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify which bacterium caused the meningitis.
Blood tests can be normal in meningitis but sometimes may show signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cells in a complete blood cell count (CBC) test or elevated proteins in a total protein test.
Example : the bacteria Pneumococcal Bacteremia and Cryptococcal meningitis is a type of meningitis caused by a fungus called Cryptococcus
Cerebral edema is when fluid builds up around the brain, causing an increase in pressure known as intracranial pressure.
Obliterate: destroy ; wiped out.
Iodine-based and Gadolinium-based and barium-sulfate.. Iodine-based contrast materials injected into a vein (intravenously) are used to enhance x-ray (including fluoroscopic images) and CT images.
Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly.
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
Arthritis : Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints.
Hydrocephalus : {Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.}
People with an immune deficiency are more vulnerable to infections. This includes the infections that cause meningitis. Certain disorders and treatments can weaken your immune system. These include:
1.HIV/AIDS
2.autoimmune disorders
3.chemotherapy
4.organ or bone marrow transplants
Cryptococcal meningitis, which is caused by a fungus, is the most common form of meningitis in people with HIV.
Meningitis is easily spread when people live in close quarters. Being in small spaces increase the chance of exposure. Examples of these locations include:
1.college dormitories
2. boarding schools
3.day care centers
Pregnant women have an increased risk of listeriosis, which is an infection caused by the Listeria bacteria. Infection can spread to the unborn child.
All ages are at risk for meningitis. However, certain age groups have a higher risk. Children under the age of 5 are at increased risk of viral meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis.
Farm workers and others who work with animals have an increased risk of infection with Listeria.{Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems.}
Relaxation: allow patient to relax and reduce tension and stress.
Distraction: focus the patient’s attention away from pain
Reflexology: use pressure points in the hand and feet that correspond to other parts of the body.
Aromatherapy: use essential oil to balance, relax, and stimulate the body , mind and soul.
ICP : Intracranial pressure.
A craniectomy is a type of brain surgery in which doctors remove a section of a person's skull. Doctors do this surgery to ease pressure on the brain that happens because of swelling or bleeding. They leave the skull open until the pressure goes down, at which point they close the opening in the skull.