CNS Infections Flashcards
what is another name for bacterial meningitis?
pyogenic
what can be seen microscopically in the subarachnoid space if bacterial meningitis?
neutrophils
what are the methods of infection in bacterial meningitis?
nasopharyngeal colonisation
direct extension of bacteria
remote foci of infection e.g. endocarditis, pneumonia, UTI
what are the clinical signs of bacterial meningitis?
fever
stiff neck
alteration in cosciousness
what are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?
headache
N&V
photophobia
lethargy
rash
what is the likely causitive organism of bacterial meningitis in
1) neonates
2) children
3) 10-21yrs
4) >21yrs
5) >65yrs
neonates = listeria, Group B strep, E.coli
children = H. influenza
10-21yrs = neisseria (meningococcus)
>21yrs = streptococcus > neisseria
>65yrs = streptococcus > listeria
Neisseria is also known as?
meningococcal
where is neisseria found in healthy carriers?
fund in throats
(proabably gains access to meninges through bloodstream)
why do symtposm occur in neisseria?
due to endotoxin produced
what vaccine is given to cover children/teens from neisseria?
MenACWY vaccine
what does H. influenza look like on microscopy?
small gram -ve rods
what is the most common type of H. influenza in children under 4yrs old?
type b
what does H. influenza require for growth?
blood
is there a vaccine against H. infulenza?
yes- conjugated vaccine directed against the capsular polysaccharide antigen
where is strep pneumoniae commonyl found?
nasopharynx