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Questions and Answers
What primary factor distinguishes Bradley's case of meningitis from Malorie's?
What primary factor distinguishes Bradley's case of meningitis from Malorie's?
Which of the following symptoms did Bradley experience?
Which of the following symptoms did Bradley experience?
What were the test results of Bradley’s CSF regarding the presence of bacteria?
What were the test results of Bradley’s CSF regarding the presence of bacteria?
Which type of meningitis was Bradley diagnosed with?
Which type of meningitis was Bradley diagnosed with?
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What is a common characteristic of viral meningitis compared to bacterial meningitis?
What is a common characteristic of viral meningitis compared to bacterial meningitis?
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Which of the following is NOT a known cause of viral meningitis?
Which of the following is NOT a known cause of viral meningitis?
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Match the following causes of viral meningitis with their respective virus types:
Match the following causes of viral meningitis with their respective virus types:
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Match the following symptoms with the type of meningitis they commonly present with:
Match the following symptoms with the type of meningitis they commonly present with:
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Match the following characteristics with the appropriate type of meningitis:
Match the following characteristics with the appropriate type of meningitis:
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Match the following viruses with their associated outbreaks:
Match the following viruses with their associated outbreaks:
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Match the following laboratory results to the type of meningitis they are commonly associated with:
Match the following laboratory results to the type of meningitis they are commonly associated with:
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Match the following descriptions with the appropriate type of meningitis:
Match the following descriptions with the appropriate type of meningitis:
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What is the most common cause of viral meningitis?
What is the most common cause of viral meningitis?
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Which layer of the meninges is the outermost?
Which layer of the meninges is the outermost?
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Which symptom is most commonly associated with viral meningitis in infants?
Which symptom is most commonly associated with viral meningitis in infants?
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How can viral meningitis primarily spread among individuals?
How can viral meningitis primarily spread among individuals?
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What is a common symptom of viral meningitis in older children and adults?
What is a common symptom of viral meningitis in older children and adults?
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Which of the following viruses is NOT known to cause viral meningitis?
Which of the following viruses is NOT known to cause viral meningitis?
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What treatment may be prescribed for herpes virus-related meningitis?
What treatment may be prescribed for herpes virus-related meningitis?
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Why is viral meningitis usually less severe than bacterial meningitis?
Why is viral meningitis usually less severe than bacterial meningitis?
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What is one potential outcome of viral meningitis infection?
What is one potential outcome of viral meningitis infection?
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Which of the following statements about cerebrospinal fluid is true?
Which of the following statements about cerebrospinal fluid is true?
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Match the following symptoms of viral meningitis with the age group they are most commonly associated with:
Match the following symptoms of viral meningitis with the age group they are most commonly associated with:
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Match the following viruses with their associated transmission method:
Match the following viruses with their associated transmission method:
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Match the following layers of the meninges with their descriptions:
Match the following layers of the meninges with their descriptions:
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Match the following treatments with their usage:
Match the following treatments with their usage:
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Match the following symptoms to their likelihood of occurrence in viral meningitis:
Match the following symptoms to their likelihood of occurrence in viral meningitis:
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Match the following infections with their primary causative agent:
Match the following infections with their primary causative agent:
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Match the following transmission methods with their descriptions:
Match the following transmission methods with their descriptions:
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Match the following age groups with their common symptoms of viral meningitis:
Match the following age groups with their common symptoms of viral meningitis:
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Match the following outcomes with their occurrence in viral meningitis:
Match the following outcomes with their occurrence in viral meningitis:
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What is the primary route of transmission for enteroviruses that cause viral meningitis?
What is the primary route of transmission for enteroviruses that cause viral meningitis?
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Which of the following characteristics is unique to enteroviruses compared to other viruses causing viral meningitis?
Which of the following characteristics is unique to enteroviruses compared to other viruses causing viral meningitis?
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What is a common symptom experienced by individuals with viral meningitis?
What is a common symptom experienced by individuals with viral meningitis?
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What type of vaccine is the Salk vaccine?
What type of vaccine is the Salk vaccine?
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Which virus is primarily responsible for hand-foot-and-mouth disease and also contributes to viral meningitis?
Which virus is primarily responsible for hand-foot-and-mouth disease and also contributes to viral meningitis?
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How does the West Nile virus primarily spread to humans?
How does the West Nile virus primarily spread to humans?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the measles virus?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the measles virus?
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What role do vaccines play concerning viral meningitis caused by poliovirus?
What role do vaccines play concerning viral meningitis caused by poliovirus?
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Which group is most at risk for severe outcomes from West Nile virus infection?
Which group is most at risk for severe outcomes from West Nile virus infection?
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What is a common symptom of mumps that can also be associated with viral meningitis?
What is a common symptom of mumps that can also be associated with viral meningitis?
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Match the following viruses with their primary mode of transmission:
Match the following viruses with their primary mode of transmission:
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Match the viral meningitis symptoms with their descriptions:
Match the viral meningitis symptoms with their descriptions:
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Match the following vaccines with their types for poliovirus:
Match the following vaccines with their types for poliovirus:
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Match the following complications with their associated viruses:
Match the following complications with their associated viruses:
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Match the following viruses with their associated characteristics:
Match the following viruses with their associated characteristics:
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Match the following viral meningitis causes with their specific virus type:
Match the following viral meningitis causes with their specific virus type:
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Match the following symptoms of viral meningitis with their age group prevalence:
Match the following symptoms of viral meningitis with their age group prevalence:
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Match the following characteristics of viral meningitis with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of viral meningitis with their descriptions:
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Match the following risk groups with their outcomes from West Nile virus infection:
Match the following risk groups with their outcomes from West Nile virus infection:
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Match the following agents with their associated complications:
Match the following agents with their associated complications:
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Study Notes
Viral Meningitis Case Study
- Bradley presented with symptoms similar to Malorie (meningitis), but less severe.
- Bradley had a mild fever, headache, and stiff neck.
- Bradley's CSF was clear, with normal glucose levels, but elevated protein levels
- Bradley's CSF gram stain showed no bacteria and all cultures were negative for microorganisms.
- Bradley's diagnosis was Viral Meningitis, which is often less severe than bacterial meningitis.
- Many people with viral meningitis recover without treatment.
Viral Meningitis Causes
- Enteroviruses
- Poliovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Echoviruses
- West Nile Virus
- Measles and Mumps Viruses
- Herpes Simplex Viruses
- HIV
Bradley's Case
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Bradley's symptoms were less severe than Malorie's, including fatigue, headache, mild fever, and stiff neck.
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Bradley's CSF appeared clear, with normal glucose levels, but elevated protein levels.
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No bacteria were found in his CSF gram stain, and all cultures for microorganisms were negative.
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Bradley was diagnosed with Viral meningitis.
Viral Meningitis
- Viral Meningitis is often less severe than bacterial meningitis and most patients recover on their own without treatment.
Viral Meningitis Causes
- Enteroviruses
- Poliovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Echoviruses
- West Nile Virus
- Measles and Mumps Viruses
- Herpes Simplex Viruses
- HIV
Viral Meningitis
- Viral meningitis, primarily affecting children under five, occurs when viruses infect the meninges, the protective tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- The meninges consist of three layers: the pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater.
- Cerebrospinal fluid, flowing between the meninges, also protects the brain and spinal cord.
- Enterovirus is the most common cause of viral meningitis.
- Other culprits include mumps virus, measles virus, herpes viruses, and viruses spread by insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
- Viral meningitis commonly spreads through fecal contamination via unwashed hands and contact with infected bodily fluids, including sneezing and coughing.
- Infected insect bites can also transmit the virus.
- Inside the body, viruses replicate and enter the bloodstream, ultimately reaching the brain and crossing the blood-brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- The viruses infect the cells of the meninges, triggering inflammation as the immune system combats the infection.
- Infants and young children often exhibit fever, irritability, loss of appetite, and difficulty waking up.
- Older children and adults may experience fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, difficulty waking up, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Viral meningitis symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis, but typically less severe.
- Acetaminophen or NSAIDs might be recommended for fever and headache.
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir may be prescribed for herpes virus-related meningitis.
- Most viral meningitis cases lack specific treatment, and individuals usually recover within two weeks.
Viral Meningitis
- Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- It is a common infection, primarily affecting children under five years old.
- The meninges are three layers protecting the brain and spinal cord: pia mater (innermost), arachnoid mater (middle), and dura mater (outermost).
- Cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, flows between these layers.
Common Causes
- Enteroviruses are the leading cause of viral meningitis.
- Other viruses causing meningitis include mumps, measles, herpes viruses, and viruses transmitted by insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
Transmission
- Viral meningitis can be spread through fecal contamination, such as poor hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Contact with infected body fluids, like sneezing, coughing, or sharing saliva or nasal secretions can also lead to transmission.
- Insect bites from infected mosquitoes or ticks are another route of infection.
Viral Infection Progression
- Once in the body, viruses multiply and enter the bloodstream.
- They reach the brain and cross the blood-brain barrier, infecting the cerebrospinal fluid.
- The viruses then attack the meninges, triggering inflammation as the immune system defends against them.
Symptoms
- Infants and young children may experience fever, irritability, loss of appetite, and difficulty waking up.
- Older children and adults might exhibit fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, difficulty waking up, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Treatment
- Symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to bacterial meningitis but generally less severe.
- Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended for fever and headache.
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir are prescribed for herpes virus-related meningitis.
- There is no specific treatment for most viral meningitis cases.
- Most individuals recover within two weeks without specific medical intervention.
Viral Meningitis
- Viral meningitis is also known as aseptic meningitis
- Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis
- Viral meningitis is often milder than bacterial meningitis
- Viral meningitis can resolve on its own
- Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, photophobia, and a stiff neck
Causes of Viral Meningitis
- Enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis
- Enteroviruses belong to the family Picornaviridae
- Enteroviruses are small RNA viruses with a naked capsid
- Enteroviruses are resistant to acid, bile, and detergents
- Enteroviruses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route
Poliovirus
- Poliovirus is a member of the Enterovirus genus
- Poliovirus causes polio myelitis, a viral infection of the spinal cord that can cause neuromuscular paralysis and withered limbs
- Poliovirus is spread via contaminated water and feces
- Most poliovirus infections are mild or asymptomatic
- Some poliovirus infections can cause paralysis
Polio Vaccines
- The Salk vaccine (IPV) is an inactivated poliovirus vaccine
- The Sabin vaccine (OPV) is a live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine and is no longer used in the US due to the risk of mutation back to a virulent form
- Poliovirus is nearly eradicated thanks to vaccination
Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses
- Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis after polio eradication
- Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses are similar to poliovirus in terms of infectious characteristics and transmission
- Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses often cause rashes, diarrhea, and upper respiratory symptoms
- Coxsackieviruses cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease
West Nile Virus
- West Nile Virus is an enveloped RNA virus
- West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes primarily infect birds, especially crows
- Humans and other mammals are dead-end hosts for West Nile Virus
- West Nile Virus infections can be asymptomatic
- West Nile Virus can cause mild fever, flu-like symptoms and neurological symptoms like meningitis and encephalitis, especially in children and the elderly
Measles and Mumps
- Measles and Mumps belong to the family Paramyxoviridae
- Measles and Mumps are enveloped RNA viruses with a helical capsid
- Measles and Mumps are spread via respiratory droplets
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause encephalitis and permanent brain damage
- Mumps causes parotitis and meningitis in about 50% of cases
- Measles and Mumps are preventable with the MMR vaccine (live attenuated vaccine)
Viral Meningitis
- Most common type of meningitis
- Often called aseptic meningitis due to the inability to culture viruses
- Symptoms include fever, headache, photophobia, and stiff neck
- Usually self-limiting - symptoms resolve within a few days or a week
- No specific therapy needed; supportive care is sufficient
Enteroviruses
- Most common cause of viral meningitis
- Part of the Picornaviridae family - small RNA viruses with a naked capsid
- Resistant to acid, bile, and detergents due to the lack of an envelope
- Transmission via the fecal-oral route
- Ingested viruses survive stomach acid and infect the small intestines
Poliovirus
- Historically known for causing poliomyelitis, an acute viral infection of the spinal cord that can lead to neuromuscular paralysis
- Can cause withered limbs due to muscle atrophy
- Transmission through feces and contaminated water
- Most infections are mild or asymptomatic
- Some can cause diarrhea, meningitis, and poliomyelitis
- Poliomyelitis can cause flaccid paralysis and muscle atrophy
- Two vaccines available - Salk vaccine (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) and Sabin vaccine (attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine)
- Polio is nearing eradication due to vaccination efforts, but outbreaks still occur
Coxsackieviruses and Echoviruses
- Most common causes of viral meningitis
- Share infectious characteristics and transmission methods with poliovirus
- Can cause diarrhea, rashes, and upper respiratory symptoms
- Coxsackievirus is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Echovirus can also cause rashes
West Nile Virus
- Enveloped RNA virus transmitted by mosquitoes
- Primarily infects birds, especially crows
- Mosquitoes can also infect humans, horses, and other mammals, but they are considered “dead-end” hosts
- Infections can be asymptomatic, cause mild fevers, or lead to severe neurological symptoms like encephalitis and death
- Majority of fatalities are in the elderly
Measles and Mumps
- Both belong to the Paramyxoviridae family - enveloped RNA viruses with a helical capsid
- Spread through respiratory droplets and are highly contagious
- Measles can cause encephalitis and severe permanent complications
- Mumps are known for causing parotitis, infection of the parotid glands
- Mumps can cause meningitis in about 50% of cases
- Both are vaccine-preventable with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
- MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine - providing a strong immune response
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Description
Explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and causes of Viral Meningitis through the case study of Bradley. Understand how his presentation and CSF analysis contributed to the diagnosis of this less severe form of meningitis. This quiz delves into the various viruses responsible for this condition, offering insights into viral infections and their implications.