Bacterial Infections Flashcards
An infection caused by bacteria
Bacterial infections
Affect a single area in the body, such as the sinuses, lungs, ears, or urinary tract
Bacterial infections
Signs and Symptoms: Bacterial Infections
- Fever, body malaise
- Signs of inflammation
Management: Bacterial Infections
- Antibiotics
- Hydration
- Rest
An infection of the meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord)
Bacterial meningitis
Triad symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis
- Meningism (nuchal rigidity)
- Photophobia
- Headache
Bacteria spread to the brain and spinal cord from an infection in another part of the body
Bacterial Meningitis
Signs and Symptoms: Bacterial Meningitis
- High fever, nausea, vomiting
- Confused or difficult to awaken
- (+) Brudzinski’s sign, (+) Kernig’s sign
- Opisthotonos
The appearance of involuntary lifting of the legs in meningeal irritation when lifting a patient’s head of the examining cough, with the patient lying supine
Brudzinski’s sign
When the legs is bent at the hip and knee 90 degree angles, and subsequent extension in the knee is painful (leading to resistance)
Kernig’s sign
Spasm of the whole body that leads to legs and head being bent back and body bowed backwards
Opisthotonos
Types of Meningitis
- Acute
- Subacute
- Chronic
Types of Meningitis
Almost always a bacterial infection
Acute Meningitis
Types of Meningitis
Bacterial and viral infection
Subacute Meningitis
Types of Meningitis
Caused by tuberculosis, syphilis, fungi (especially cryptococci) and carcinomatous meningitis
Chronic Meningitis
Management: Bacterial Meningitis
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling and inflammation
- Sedatives for irritability or restlessness
- Droplet precaution
Hansen’s Disease
Leprosy