Bacterial Meningitis Flashcards
Classic Symptoms of Meningitis
Fever Headache Altered mental status Photophobia Stiff-neck Vomiting
Common Pathogens Causing Bacterial Meningitis
Strep pneumo
Neisseria meningitidis
H. influenzae
Diagnosis of Meningitis
Lumbar puncture
WBC Count for Bacterial Meningitis
> 200-5000
Usually higher than viral and fungal
Differentials (%) for bacterial meningitis
Bacterial (> 80% PMNs) - majority neutrophils
Viral and fungal have more mono/lymphs
Protein level in bacterial meningitis
> 150
High because bacteria poop out protein
Glucose level for bacterial meningitis
0-30
Low because bacteria eat glucose
Which bacteria primarily cause meningitis in < 1 month of age?
Group B Strep, Listeria
Which bacteria primarily cause meningitis in 1-23 months of age?
Primarily Strep. pneumoniae, some Group B Strep, Neisseria meningitidis, and H. influenzae
Which bacteria primarily cause meningitis in 2-50 years of age?
Even amounts of S. pneumonia and N. meningitidis
Which bacteria primarily cause meningitis in 50+ years of age?
S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, Listeria
Empiric Treatment for Meningitis < 1 month
Ampicillin + Gentamicin
Empiric Treatment for Meningitis 1-50 yo
Vancomycin + Ceftriaxone
Empiric Treatment for Meningitis for > 50 yo
Vancomycin + Ceftriaxone +/- Ampicillin
Neurological Sequelae
Seizures Hearing impairment Vascular complications Learning impairment, mental retardation Hemiparesis, hemiplegia, paralysis, focal neurologic sensory/motor deficits Hydrocephalus
