Bacterial Meningitis Flashcards
Is an infection of the subarachnoid space and brain usually due to any of a variety of blood borne bacterial pathogens which is usually life threatening.
Bacterial Meningitis
Probably account for most cases of acute infection of the meninges and is generally a benign disease
Viral Meningitis
A rare type of meningeal inflammation
Fungal Meningitis
Used when antimicrobials are given to a person before the specific bacterium or fungus causing an infection is known
Empirical antimicrobial therapy
Common Pathogens causing meningitis
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- Neisseria Meningitidis
- Streptococcus Agalactiae
- Listeria Monocytogenes
- Haemophilus Influenzae
This pathogen was the most common cause of Meningitis in the past but now rarely seen due to routine immunization (Hib & PCV vaccines) against this organism
Haemophilus Influenzae
Pathologic organisms usually spread to the meninges from any of the following:
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Middle ear infections
- By direct introduction through a lumbar puncture or skull fracture
What happens once bacteria enters the meningeal space?
Multiply rapidly & spread throughout the CSF to invade the brain tissues & the brain itself.
Signs & Symptoms
- Photophobia
- Fever & Headache
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Irritability
- High-pitched cry
- Poor feeding / suck
- Seizures
- Nuchal rigidity - stiffness in the neck
- Bulgin fontanelles - late sign in infants
- (+) Brudzinki’s sign
- (+) Kernig’s sign
- Petechiae
A positive Brudzinski’s sign would show as?
Flexing the patient’s neck causes involuntary hip & knee flexion
What is a positive Kernig’s sign is on an awake patient?
Pain is felt when knee is extended; inability to straighten the leg
A positive Kernig’s sign for a comatose patient
Resistance is felt when extending the patient’s knee
