Nervous System Infections

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Through which route do infectious agents most commonly enter the nervous system?

Direct implantation of microorganisms
Hematogenous spread by way of the arterial blood supply (correct)
Peripheral nerves
Local extension from infections of the skull or spine

Which type of infection is caused by Escherichia coli or group B streptococci in infants?

Herpes zoster
Staphylococcus aureus infection
Rabies
Meningitis (correct)

What is a common means of entry for viruses such as rabies and herpes zoster?

Peripheral nerves (correct)
Direct implantation of microorganisms
Hematogenous spread by way of the arterial blood supply
Local extension from infections of the skull or spine

What is a rare way of direct implantation of microorganisms?

Iatrogenic cases (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection can occur with infections of the skull or spine?

Local extension (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common means of entry for Staphylococcus aureus?

Hematogenous spread by way of the arterial blood supply (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an infectious agent with an absolute predilection for the nervous system?

Rabies (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical syndrome associated with Streptococcus?

Meningitis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of bacterial meningitis in neonates?

Escherichia coli and group B streptococci (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following viruses causes subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?

Measles (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the common cause of fungal meningitis?

Cryptococcus neoformans (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of encephalitis?

West Nile virus (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical clinical presentation of pyogenic meningitis?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of cerebral malaria?

Plasmodium falciparum (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of bacterial meningitis in older adults?

Listeria monocytogenes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis of untreated pyogenic meningitis?

Often fatal (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a predisposing condition for brain abscesses?

Cyanotic congenital heart disease (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of brain abscesses?

Central liquefactive necrosis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of lumbar puncture in brain abscess diagnosis?

To diagnose brain abscess (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of brain abscess if left untreated?

High mortality rate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of viral encephalitis?

Inflammation of both the meninges and brain parenchyma (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic histologic feature of viral encephalitis?

Perivascular and parenchymal mononuclear cell infiltrates (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the nervous system susceptible to certain viruses?

Due to the presence of specific CNS cell types (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication of brain abscess rupture?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What stage of syphilis does neurosyphilis represent?

Tertiary (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which pattern of CNS involvement by syphilis is characterized by chronic meningitis and obliterative endarteritis?

Meningovascular neurosyphilis (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition caused by neurosyphilis results in severe dementia?

Paretic neurosyphilis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristic symptoms of Tabes dorsalis?

Loss of pain sensation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which pathogens are typically involved in parenchymal infections of the brain in immunosuppressed hosts?

Any agents (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of brain abscesses?

Bacterial infections (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to the development of a brain abscess?

Direct implantation of organisms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may result in the absence of deep tendon reflexes?

Tabes dorsalis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of pyogenic meningitis?

A thick layer of suppurative exudate covering the brain stem and cerebellum (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is most likely to show reduced glucose levels in CSF?

Pyogenic meningitis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are typically found in the CSF during aseptic meningitis?

Lymphocytes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common macroscopic finding in aseptic meningitis?

Brain swelling (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly associated with tuberculous meningitis?

Moderate increase in CSF cellularity with mononuclear cells (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the microscopic findings in pyogenic meningitis?

Neutrophils may fill the entire subarachnoid space (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition typically does not show bacteria in the CSF?

Aseptic meningitis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which pathogen is associated with the formation of tuberculoma in the brain?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Hematogenous Spread

Infectious agents enter the nervous system through the arterial blood supply.

Meningitis in Infants

An infection caused by Escherichia coli or group B streptococci in newborns.