cns infections Flashcards
pros of blood brain barrier (bbb)
protects cns from pathogens and toxic substances
cons of bbb
prevents early entry of antibiotics and antibodies
what is infection of the meninges
meningitis
what is infection of cerebral cortex
encephalitis
what is the s/s special to bacterial meningitis
non blanching rash
others: HA, neck stiffness, abnormal mental state
immediate management of bacterial meningitis
perform lumbar puncture and take blood culture
what are the most common pathogens causing bacterial meningitis
neisseria meningitidis
strep pneumoniae
haemophilus influenzae
what other 3 pathogens causes bacterial meningitis (less common)
grp B strep - swab done during pregnancy (can cause grp B strep meningitis)
e coli
listeria (makes food go bad but NO smell - raw food)
can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
yes. vaccination against
1. strep pneumoniae
2. haemophilus influenzae
3. neiserria meningitidis
what is given for close contacts
chemoprophylaxis if it was caused by haemophilus and neiserria
what is cryptococcus neoformans and where can they be found
FUNGUS! - found in soil contaminated by birds/their droppings
who is most susceptible to cryptococcus neoformans meningitis
immunocompromised host!!!! esp HIV patients!!!!
how do u diagnose TB meningitis
AFB smear (special to TB), AFB culture - a type of microscopy
TB PCR of the CSF
whats the treatment for viral meningitis?
self limiting, far more common than bacterial meningitis
pathogens causing viral encephalitis
HSV, mumps, measles, HHV6, CMV, EBV, enterovirus
symptoms of viral encephalitis
hallucinations
repetitive higher motor activity (eg dressing & undressing)
seizures
severe headaches
unsteady gait (ataxia)
how do u test for viral encephalitis
CSF PCR
what is the treatment for viral encephalitis
no treatment EXCEPT HSV
what is the treatment for HSV causing viral encephalitis and what happens if its not treated
acyclovir
if not treated can cause long term seizures and neuro damage
sources of infection causing brain abscess
poor dental hygiene, bacteraemia from endocarditis
pathogens causing brain abscess
staph aureus, mouth flora - streptococci
