Bacterial Meningitis Overview

<p>Vaccination programs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Meningitis involves inflammation of the meninges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased exposure to foodborne pathogens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individuals aged 15-20 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Participating in outdoor sports (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chronic renal failure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Travel during the Hajj pilgrimage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Asplenia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Group B streptococcus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fracture of the skull (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cryptococcus neoformans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Replication in subarachnoid space (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Regular physical exercise (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus e.g., Str.milleri (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seizures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Toxoplasma gondii (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Severe headaches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Asplenic patients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococci (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Oral ciprofloxacin as a single dose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Droplet precautions until effective antimicrobial treatment for at least 24 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Other invasive pneumococcal disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CT or MRI of the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Possible direct inoculation from dental procedures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Composed primarily of anaerobes such as Bacteroides spp. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk of high intracranial pressure leading to coning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contrast CT or MRI (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ceftriaxone, flucloxacillin, and metronidazole (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rationalise antimicrobials based on results (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pus from lesions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Administering antibiotics to all housemates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dental abscess (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pus for microbiology and histology and blood cultures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Haematogenous spread from distant sites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Encephalitis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Following exposure to a confirmed case of meningococcal disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tailor antibiotic therapy based on culture results (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nasal swab (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diet high in processed meats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Asplenia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Highest asymptomatic carriage is seen in teens and young adults (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>High levels of individual vaccinations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chronic renal failure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Toxoplasma gondii (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fever (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aerobic GNB (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Toxoplasma gondii (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diagnosis often requires imaging and clinical features. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increases risk of severe infection with encapsulated bacteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>E. coli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inherited defects in complement components (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immunosuppressive therapy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococcus pneumoniae (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Uncommon, affecting immunocompromised patients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Through the nasal cavity via the cribriform plate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Streptococci form a significant percentage of the microbial profile. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In congenital asplenia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Long-term oral penicillin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Droplet precautions until 24 hours after starting treatment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Untreated dental abscess leading to infection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contiguous spread from dental or sinus infections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is indicated for all cases of pneumococcal meningitis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both streptococci and anaerobes can be involved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk of high intracranial pressure can lead to coning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ceftriaxone, Flucloxacillin, and Metronidazole. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Once culture and susceptibility results are available. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Conducting contact tracing and applying prophylaxis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pus from the brain for microbiology and histology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contrast CT or MRI. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Encephalitis, tumour, or stroke. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Up to 6 weeks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membrane covering the brain and spinal cord), often caused by bacteria that spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and consciousness disturbances. A petechial rash may be a crucial indicator.

Diagnosis involves analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for bacteria, including culture and other assessments.

Treatment involves prompt antibiotic therapy, supportive care, and early intervention.

A collection of pus within the brain tissue; potentially from a localized infection.

Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or amoebae.

A serious form of meningitis caused by bacterial replication in the subarachnoid space.

A milder form of meningitis compared to bacterial meningitis, caused by viruses.

A common cause of meningitis, affecting people of all ages.

A bacterial pathogen that can cause meningitis, especially in those with certain host factors.

Condition where the spleen is absent or not functioning correctly.

Conditions like asplenia, diabetes, altered immunity, or skull defects that make a person more susceptible to meningitis.

Meningitis can spread from the nasopharynx via a bony defect or head injury, potentially through the cribriform plate.

Pregnancy increases the risk of invasive Listeria monocytogenes infection, which can lead to meningitis.

Unvaccinated individuals are more susceptible to bacterial meningitis, especially those with certain underlying conditions like complement deficiency or asplenia.

People at all ages can get meningitis, but the common causes vary by age group. Certain age groups may have a higher risk.

Living in close quarters, like college dorms or military bases, increases the risk of contracting meningitis due to increased exposure to potential pathogens.

A recent history of respiratory or ear infections can increase the risk of developing meningitis, as bacteria can spread from these sites.

A collection of pus in the brain tissue, often forming due to a localized infection.

Brain abscesses can be caused by various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and anaerobic bacteria.

Common symptoms include headache, fever, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental status.

Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI, as well as analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for infection.

Individuals with a weakened immune system, recent trauma, or certain medical procedures like neurosurgery are more susceptible.

The pneumococcal vaccine is designed to reduce the incidence of invasive pneumococcal infections, particularly in children. Its effectiveness can be measured by analyzing the decline in cases of diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.

Prophylaxis is the use of preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. In the context of pneumococcal infections, it involves administering antibiotics to individuals at increased risk, such as those with asplenia or close contacts of a confirmed case.

Individuals with asplenia, due to surgery, congenital defects, or functional impairment, are highly susceptible to severe invasive infections caused by encapsulated organisms. Long-term daily oral penicillin is typically prescribed to minimize the risk.

Prophylaxis for close contacts of meningococcal meningitis cases involves administering rifampicin for two days or ciprofloxacin in a single dose. This helps prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Prophylaxis for close contacts of Hib meningitis involves administering rifampicin for four days or IV ceftriaxone daily for two days. This aims to prevent the spread of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.

Droplet precautions are essential for limiting the spread of infections through droplets released during coughing, sneezing, or talking. These precautions include maintaining a distance of at least one meter and using personal protective equipment.

Brain abscesses can develop as a secondary infection from sources like the ear, teeth, sinuses, or bloodstream. These infections can spread directly or through the bloodstream.

Brain abscesses are often caused by a mix of bacteria, including streptococci, staphylococci, aerobic gram-negative bacteria, and anaerobes. These bacteria can originate from the nasopharynx, mouth, or bloodstream.

A brain abscess is a collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, not the CSF.

Lumbar puncture (LP) is generally avoided in brain abscess as it poses a risk of coning due to increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnostic samples for brain abscess include intraoperative specimens obtained during craniotomy and drainage or burr hole aspiration.

Intraoperative specimens are sent for microbiology and histology, which includes Gram staining, culture and susceptibility testing, and 16S PCR if culture is negative.

Blood cultures are recommended for brain abscess to investigate possible hematogenous spread of the infection.

Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scans are used to diagnose brain abscess and visualize the extent of the infection.

Treatment of brain abscess includes surgical aspiration or drainage of the abscess to remove the pus and reduce pressure.

Treatment of brain abscess involves empiric antibiotics like ceftriaxone, flucloxacillin, and metronidazole, followed by tailored therapy based on culture results and susceptibility.

Bacteria typically reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through three main pathways: 1. Haematogenous spread (the most common): from the nasopharynx or a distant infection, 2. Spread from an adjacent focus of infection, like sinusitis or mastoiditis, and 3. Direct spread through a bony defect or head injury, like through the cribriform plate.

Meningitis involves inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the brain parenchyma, the actual brain tissue.

Based on the presentation, the likely diagnosis is bacterial meningitis. This is supported by the unconscious state, petechial rash, and the patient's living arrangement (potential for close contact with others).

In a suspected case of bacterial meningitis, important specimens for diagnosis would include: 1. Blood culture: to detect bacteria in the bloodstream, 2. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: for bacterial identification, and 3. Nasopharyngeal swab: to assess for possible source of infection.

Immediate treatment for bacterial meningitis is crucial. It typically involves: 1. Intravenous antibiotics: targeted to the suspected bacterial cause, 2. Supportive care: managing fever, hydration, and potential complications, and 3. Close monitoring: to track the patient's response to treatment and watch for potential complications.

Pregnant women face a higher risk of developing meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria often found in food.

People without a spleen (asplenia) are more prone to bacterial meningitis due to the spleen's role in fighting off infections.

Crowded environments, such as college dorms or military bases, increase the risk of meningitis due to higher exposure to potential pathogens.

Prior respiratory or ear infections increase the chances of developing meningitis, as bacteria can migrate from these sites.

Meningitis can spread from the nasopharynx (back of the nose) to the brain through a bony defect (hole) or head injury. It's also possible for it to spread through the cribriform plate, a bone in the skull.

Bacteria that cause meningitis replicate in the subarachnoid space, an area surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation of the meninges.

Common bacteria causing meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Listeria monocytogenes. Different ages are susceptible to different pathogens.

People with asplenia (absence of a spleen) are at increased risk of severe infections, including meningitis, because their spleen is unable to fight encapsulated bacteria, such as those causing Hib, S. pneumoniae, and N. meningitidis.

Factors like diabetes, alcohol abuse, weakened immune systems, skull fractures, and genetic defects in complement proteins can increase the risk of contracting meningitis.

The common causative organisms of meningitis vary based on age. For example, Group B streptococcus is common in newborns, while Streptococcus pneumoniae is prevalent in older adults.

The incidence and common causative organisms of meningitis differ depending on geographical location.

An intracranial shunt is a medical device implanted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to another part of the body, relieving pressure and preventing complications.

Asplenia is a condition where the spleen is absent or not functioning properly, making the individual susceptible to infections from encapsulated bacteria.

Contiguous spread occurs when an infection spreads directly from a nearby site, such as the ear, teeth, or sinuses. Hematogenous spread happens when bacteria travel through the bloodstream to the brain.

Common bacteria causing brain abscesses include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and anaerobic bacteria, often originating from the nasopharynx or mouth.

Brain abscess treatment involves surgical drainage to remove pus, relieve pressure, and control the source of infection, combined with antibiotic therapy to target the causative bacteria

Prophylaxis for close contacts of meningococcal meningitis cases involves administering rifampicin for two days or ciprofloxacin in a single dose to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Prophylaxis for close contacts of Hib meningitis involves administering rifampicin for four days or IV ceftriaxone daily for two days to prevent the spread of the bacteria.