Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that is spread through direct contact with oral secretions or respiratory droplets from an infected person. It can cause high fever, rash, vomiting, severe headache, neck stiffness, lethargy, nausea, and sensitivity to light. If two or more of these symptoms occur together, immediate medical care is needed. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed through blood cultures, imaging tests, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid collected via spinal tap. Treatment involves antibiotics selected based on the identified bacterial pathogen.

1. Bacterial
Meningitis
By: Thomas, Jeanette, and
Melissa

2. Bacterial Menengitis
Transmission
Bacterial menengitis is spread through
direct contact with oral secretions from
an infected person. Respiratory
droplets can spread the disease as well,
however, prolonged exposure to an
infected person in close quarters
increases a persons chances of catching
the disease.

3. Effect of Bacterial
Menengitis on the brain

4. Signs and Symptoms
• High fever
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light
• Because the infection progresses rapidly, you should seek
immediate medical care if 2 or more of these symptoms
occur at the same time.

5. How to properly diagnose
bacterial menegitis
 Blood culture: Blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory and placed in a dish
to see if it grows microorganisms, particularly bacteria. A sample may also
be placed on a slide to which stains are added (Gram's stain), then
examined under a microscope for bacteria.
 Imaging: X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the head,
chest or sinuses may reveal swelling or inflammation. These tests can also
help your doctor look for infection in other areas of the body that may be
associated with meningitis.
 Spinal tap: The definitive diagnosis of meningitis is often made by
analyzing a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is collected
during a procedure known as a spinal tap. In people with meningitis, the
CSF fluid 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 the exact bacterium that's causing the illness.

6. If your physician suspects menengitis he/she may
order a DNA-based test known as a polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) amplification to check for the presence
of viral causes of meningitis. This may provide results
about your meningitis in as little as four hours and
help to determine proper treatment.

7. Antibiotics Based on the Pathogen
Causing Meningitis

8. Meningitis is not just an
American Disease

9. Meningitis