Exam 1 Nervous system infectious disease Flashcards
Name major defenses of nervous system
bony casing of the brain and spinal cord, CSF provides cushion, BBB
What are microglial cells derived from?
monocyte cells that are resident macrophages in CNS
Describe microglial cells
inflammatory macrophages that participate in the innate immune response to a pathogen and activate T lymphocytes via antigen presentation
What TLRs do microglial cells express?
TLR2 and TLR9
What major pathogens does TLR2 detect?
Peptidoglycans, lipoproteins, gram-positive bacteria, trypanosomes, mycobacteria/other bacteria
What major pathogens does TLR9 detect?
HSV, bacterial DNA, dinucleotides, malaria parasite heme product
What are the normal biota of the CNS?
It’s a sterile environment
What is the worst form of meningitis?
Bacterial
Define meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges
What is the way to diagnose meningitis?
lumbar puncture, CSF is gram-stained and potentially cultured
What are common symptoms of meningitis
photophobia, headache, painful and/or stiff neck, fever, increased WBC in CSF
What is the treatment for N. meningitidis
ceftriaxone
What should you begin treatment for with a patient with meningitis
N. meningitidis because it’s so serious- ceftriaxone immediately
What are the major causes of bacterial meningitis
N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, L. monocytogenes
What are the fungal causes of meningitis?
C. neoformans, Coccidioides immitis
What is viral meningitis called?
aseptic meningitis
Describe Neisseria meningitidis meningitis
Gram (-) diplococci, epidemic form, most acute, starts in upper respiratory
Describe Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis
Most common community-based meningitis, acquired often secondary to other problems (decreased immune system), will become a problem if infected via systemic issue without a spleen
Describe Haemophilus influenzae meningitis
Gram (-),Human only, starts as respiratory infxn
Describe Listeria monocytogenes meningitis
Gram (+), immunocompromised patients
Describe Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis
Fungal, chronic, reservoir: birds (pigeons), often occurs in urban areas
Describe Coccidioides immitis meningitis
Fungal, usually found in SW USA, can cause osteomyelitis
What is the usual cause of neonatal/infant meningitis?
infection of the fetus by the mother in utero or during passage through the birth canal (most common). Most commonly GBS (S. agalactiae and E. coli K1 strain)
What individuals does meningitis prefer to infect?
Individuals with immature immune systems (premature babies)