Central nervous system infections Flashcards
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the pia and arachnoid mater. Micro-organisms infect the CFS.
Clinical symptoms of meningism?
Stiffness of neck Photophobia Severe headache Fever Unwell feeling Rash
What type of rash is characteristically present in meningococcal meningitis?
Haemorrhagic
3 most common causes of bacterial meningitis in neonates are?
Escherichia coli
Group B streptococcus
Listeria monocytogenes
3 most common causes of bacterial meningitis in infants are?
Neisseria meningitidis
Haemophilus influenzae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
2 most common causes of bacterial meningitis in young adults?
Neisseria meningitidis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
3 most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the elderly are?
Streptococcus pneumonia
Neisseria meningitis
Listeria
What 2 common meningitis causing bacteria are diplococci?
Neisseria meningitidis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Name 7 common viral causes of meningitis?
1) Mumps virus
2) Echo virus
3) Coxsackie virus
4) Other enteroviruses
5) Herpes simplex virus
6) Lymphocytic chorio meningitis virus
7) Poliovirus
What 5 investigation should be carried out if meningitis is suspected?
1) CSF (via lumber puncture)
2) Blood cultures
3) Nose and throat swabs
4) Stool sample
5) Serology of blood
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of the cerebral cortex
Clinical symptoms of encephalitis?
Lethargy Fatigue Decreased level of consciousness Fever Occasionally fits
If a patients with encephalitis also has meningism what is the syndrome referred to as?
Meningo-encephalitis
What are the 6 common viral causes of encephalitis?
1) Herpes simplex virus
2) Varicella zoster virus
3) Parvovirus
4) HIV
5) Mumps virus
6) Measles
What investigations should be completed if encephalitis is suspected?
CSF (via lumbar puncture)
Serology of blood
As most likely to be a viral cause rather than bacterial so cultures not normally required
