Infection by systems (CNS)

Question 1

Pro & con of a blood brain barrier

Answer 1

Pro: Protects CNS from pathogens and toxic substances

Con: Prevents entry of immunoglobulins, complement & antibiotics

Question 2

Encephalitis def

Answer 2

infection of the cerebral cortex

Question 3

Brain abscess def

Answer 3

Abscess of the cerebral cortex

Question 4

Meningitis def

Answer 4

infection of the meninges

Question 5

S&S of bacterial meningitis

Answer 5

• generalised headache
• neck stiffness
• abnormal mental state
• vomiting
• non blanching rash

Question 6

Causes of meningitis

a. Normal population:
b. Neonates, pregnant women, immunocompromised:
c. Neonates:

Answer 6

a. Normal population: neisseria menigitidis, streptococcus pneumoniae
b. Neonates, pregnant women, immunocompromised: listeria monocytogenes
c. Neonates: group B strep

Question 7

Management of bacterial meningitis

Answer 7

Perform lumbar puncture asap to obtain CSF specimen.

Question 8

What is the most common route for invading the meninges?

Answer 8

Bacteraemia

Question 9

Complications of bacterial meningitis

Answer 9

• high mortality
• brain damage
• hearing loss

Question 10

Prevention of bacterial meningitis

Answer 10

vaccination against strep pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, N.meningitis

Question 11

Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis tends to infect:

Answer 11

immunocompromised host, esp. HIV

Question 12

Is Tuberculosis meningitis fatal if untreated?

Answer 12

Yes, fatal within 5-8 wks of onset if untreated

Question 13

Causes of of viral encephalitis

Answer 13

HSV-1, HSV-2, mumps, measles, enterovirus, EBV, etc…

Question 14

Microbiology lab diagnosis for viral encephalitis

Answer 14

CSF PCR