Meningitis, bacterial

=Meningitis, Bacterial = Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of meningitis caused by bacterial infection.

Causes

Bacterial meningitis can be caused by several types of bacteria. The most common pathogens include:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Listeria monocytogenes

Each of these bacteria can be spread through different means, such as respiratory droplets or contaminated food.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can develop suddenly and may include:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Altered mental status

In infants, symptoms may include irritability, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic procedures include:

• Lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis
• Blood cultures
• Imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans

Treatment

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. The mainstay of treatment is the administration of intravenous antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic may depend on the suspected or confirmed causative organism.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for bacterial meningitis include:

• Vaccination against common causative bacteria, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and Hib vaccine.
• Prophylactic antibiotics for close contacts of individuals with meningococcal meningitis.

Prognosis

The prognosis for bacterial meningitis can vary depending on the causative organism, the age and health of the patient, and the speed of treatment. Complications can include hearing loss, neurological damage, and in severe cases, death.

See Also

• Viral meningitis
• Fungal meningitis
• Encephalitis

,

 Advances in the Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis, 
 Journal of Infectious Diseases, 
 2022, 
 Vol. 225(Issue: 3), 
 pp. 123-130,

R,

 Infectious Diseases: A Clinical Approach, 
  
 New York:Medical Press, 
 2021,

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Meningitis, bacterial

Meningitis, bacterial is a rare disease.