Infection Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of meningitis
Give examples of the most common causative organisms
Inflammation of the meninges, caused by infection (bacterial/viral infection)
Bacteria:
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
Describe the symptoms/signs of meningitis
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia
Signs:
- Non-blanching, purpuric rash
- Kernig’s sign (inability to allow full extension of the knee when the hip is flexed 90 degrees)
If bacterial meningitis is suspected…
Treat first, investigate later
Describe the investigation of suspected meningitis
- SEPSIS six
- LP (and CSF analysis) ONLY when CT head rules out raised ICP
Describe what you would expect on CSF analysis for…
a) Bacterial meningitis
b) Viral meningitis
Bacterial meningitis:
- Appearance: turbid/purulent
- Protein: high
- Glucose: low
- WCCs: high neutrophils
Viral meningitis:
- Appearance: clear
- Protein: normal
- Glucose: normal
- WCCs: high lymphocytes
Describe the management of bacterial meningitis in…
- GP/community
- Hospital
- Do contacts need treatment?
- Do you need to notify PHE?
- Community/GP: IM benzylpenicillin
- Hospital: 3rd generation cephalosporin IV, e.g. ceftriaxone
- Contacts: rifampicin, Men C vaccine
- Yes, notify PHE
Describe the pathophysiology of encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain parenchyma
Describe the aetiology of encephalitis
Give examples of the most common causative organisms
Viral infection:
- HSV
- Enteroviruses
- VZV
Describe the clinical features of encephalitis
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Seizure
Describe the investigation of encephalitis
- Blood cultures
- Brain imaging (CT/MRI)
- LP (and CSF analysis = raised lymphocytes) ONLY if CT head rules out raised ICP
Describe the management of encephalitis
IV aciclovir
