4 CNS Infections Flashcards
What are the three layers of meninges?
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
Which is the thickest layer of meninges that also serves as a mechanical barrier to infection?
Dura mater
Which cells in the brain are prone to becoming hyper plastic during injury/infection?
Astrocytes
What are four types of CNS infections that can (rarely) result from dental work?
abscess, empyema, meningitis, encephalomyelitis
An abscess results in the breakdown of what?
Blood brain barrier
Meningitis is an infection of what?
CSF or the meninges of the central nervous system
What is inflamed in encephalomyelitis?
The parenchyma of the brain (*has not progressed to an abscess yet)
What two general ways do pathogens gain access to the CNS?
Direct extension or bacteremia
What are four examples of direct extension pathways of acute oral infections manifesting in the CNS?
pulpits, apical periodontitis, abscess formation, periodontitis
What are some risk factors for developing a bacterial abscess in the CNS?
oral pathology/procedures, immunocompromised, pt has chronic illness, chronic heart disease, skull fracture, sinus infection
Would you expect to see an elevated WBC in the CSF during a CNS infection?
No because the WBCs don’t really have access to the CNS
What is the most common site for CNS infection to manifest?
The frontal lobe
How do you treat a CNS abscess?
antibiotics and surgery to drain the abscess
What is the most common pathogen to infect the CNS?
Aspergillus fumigatus
What are two risk factors for getting a Zygomycetes CNS infection?
diabetes and immunocompromised
