2. Meningitis Flashcards
what is meningitis?
inflammation of meningeal lining of brain and spine
where is CSF found?
within the subarachnoid space, beneath the arachnoid membrane, on top of the pia mater. It also surrounds the spinal cord and fills open spaces (ventricles) inside the brain
function of CSF?
CSF helps to maintain a constant pressure inside the skull, known as intracranial pressure (ICP).
common bacterial causes of meningitis in adults?
Neisseria meningitidis
Haemophilus influenzae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
common viral causes of meningitis in adults?
Enteroviruses: Echoviruses Coxsackie viruses A and B poliovirus Herpes viruses: Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2
typical CSF in bacterial infection?
cloudy white cell count increased cell type = neutrophils proteins = increased glucose = low
typical CSF in viral infection?
clear white cell count increased cell type = lymphocytes proteins = moderate increased glucose = normal or slightly decreased
describe gram stain of neisseria meningitides
gram negative
diplococci
characteristics of neisseria meningitides?
- Normal flora of nasopharynx
* Spread via Inhalation of respiratory droplets
clinical significance of neisseria meningitides?
• Gram-negative Sepsis, meningitis, meningococcal sepsis
virulence factors of neisseria meningitides?
- LPS capsule = Antiphagocytic
* Pili – attaches to nasopharyngeal mucosa
investigations of neisseria meningitides?
- Gram stain of CSF from lumbar puncture
- Throat swab
- Tumbler test
treatment/ prevention of neisseria meningitides?
- Ceftriaxone (Passes through BBB)
- Cefotaxime – In new-born children
- ABCWY Vaccine
what type of antibiotic is ceftriaxone?
beta lactam - cephalosporin - inhibits cell wall synthesis
clinical features of meningitis?
• classic triad - fever - headache - neck stiffness • photophobia • phonophobia • vomiting • non-blanching rash