CNS Infections Flashcards
What is the main cause of encephalitis?
Mainly viruses
What determines which group of pathogens infects the patient?
- age
- immunological competence
- season
- surgery/trauma
What are the most important diagnostic tests for CSF?
- micro-organisms
- leucocytes
- protein
- glucose
What does bacterial meningitis present in CSF tests?
- high polymorphs
- low glucose
- cloudy
- proteins
What causes meningococcal meningitis?
Neisseria meningitidis (gram -ve dipplococcus)
What age group usually gets meningococcal meningitis?
Young children
What are the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?
- headache
- photophobia
- neck stiffness
- haemorrhagic skin rash/petechiae
What causes haemophilus meningitis?
Haemophilus influenza (gram -ve coccobacillus)
What age group usually gets haemophilus meningitis?
Young children
What causes pneumococcal meningitis?
Strep. pneumoniae (gram +ve cocci)
What age group usually gets pneumococcal meningitis?
young children and old
What causes Listeria monocytogenes meningitis?
Listeria monocytogenes (who knew?) which is gram +ve coccobacillus
What group of patients are susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes meningitis?
Immunocompromised
What are the main causes of neonatal meningitis?
- E. coli
- Group B strep
What is more common viral or bacterial meningitis?
Viral
What does viral meningitis look like on CSF?
Clear
Is viral meningitis serious?
Not usually as its self limiting
What is the main cause of viral encephalitis?
HSV
What are the symptoms of viral encephalitis?
Abnormal behaviour Seizures Altered consciousness Vomiting Fever Nausea
How can you prevent haemophilus meningitis?
HiB conjugated vaccine
How do you treat haemophilus meningitis?
Ceftriaxone (3rd gen cephalosporin)
How can you prevent meningococcal meningitis?
Meningococcal C conjugated
How do you treat meningococcal meningitis?
Ceftriaxone (3rd gen cephalosporin)
How can you prevent pneumococcal meningitis?
13 valent conjugate vaccine in kids (reduced antigen load)
