16 Questions
What is a common source of Histoplasma?
Bat and bird droppings
What is a rare type of parasitic meningitis?
Amebic meningitis
What is the name of the most commonly recognized species that causes amebic meningitis?
Naegleria fowleri
What is the primary cause of non-infectious meningitis?
Medical conditions or treatments
What is a common symptom of viral meningitis in infants?
Decreased appetite
What is a common symptom of bacterial meningitis?
All of the above
What is a possible cause of non-infectious meningitis?
All of the above
What is a symptom of amebic meningitis?
All of the above
What is the most common type of meningitis that typically goes away without treatment?
Viral Meningitis
Which bacterium is typically found in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity and can cause pneumococcal meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
What is the outcome if bacterial meningitis is left untreated?
It will be fatal
Who is more likely to develop fungal meningitis?
People with a weakened immune system
What is the mode of transmission of Neisseria meningitidis?
Through respiratory fluids and saliva
What is the name of the fungus that is inhaled from dirt or soil contaminated with bird droppings?
Cryptococcus
What is the name of the type of meningitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
Staphylococcal meningitis
What can be a complication of meningitis if not treated quickly?
All of the above
Study Notes
Meningitis
- Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
- If left untreated, meningitis can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Types of Meningitis
- There are five types of meningitis: viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious.
Viral Meningitis
- Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.
- It typically goes away without treatment, but some causes may require treatment.
Bacterial Meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria.
- It is fatal if left untreated.
- The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal meningitis)
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis)
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcal meningitis)
Fungal Meningitis
- Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis.
- It is caused by a fungus that infects the body and spreads to the brain or spinal cord.
- People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop fungal meningitis.
- The most common fungi related to fungal meningitis include:
- Cryptococcus
- Blastomyces
- Histoplasma
- Coccidioides
Parasitic Meningitis
- Parasitic meningitis is caused by parasites found in dirt, feces, and on some animals and food.
- One rare type of parasitic meningitis, amebic meningitis, is a life-threatening infection.
- The most commonly recognized species is Naegleria fowleri.
Non-Infectious Meningitis
- Non-infectious meningitis is not an infection, but rather a type of meningitis caused by other medical conditions or treatments.
- These include:
- Lupus
- A head injury
- Brain surgery
- Cancer
- Certain medications
Symptoms of Meningitis
- Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis can be similar in the beginning, but bacterial meningitis symptoms are usually more severe.
- Symptoms vary depending on age.
- Viral meningitis symptoms in infants may include:
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- In adults, viral meningitis may cause:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Sleepiness
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
Learn about the different types and effects of meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes
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