Infection in the CNS

Question 1

what are the 3 most common bacterias which cause infection in CNS
NHS

Answer 1

Neisseria Meningitidis (gram - coccus)
Haemophilus Influenzae (gram - coccus)
Streptococcus pneumoniae ( gram +coccus )

NHS => THEY all have a polysaccharide capsule surrounding them , which protects them from the immune system , hence they are less visible to the immune system

Question 2

In neonates - organisms which cause infection

GEL

Answer 2

Group B strep
E.col
Listeria Monocytogenes

Question 3

what can cause viral encephalitis

Answer 3

infection of the actual brain
Herpes simplex Virus(HSV)
Varicella -zoster Virus (VZV)
polio, measles , mumps

Zoonotic and vector borne viruses -rabies , zika, Japanese encephalitis

Question 4

features of bacterial meningitis

Answer 4

1) Teaches , fever , neck stiffness
neurological deficits 
-Upper RT symptoms 
-AKI 
-shock and peripheral ischaemia

Question 5

how do we manage bacterial meningitis

Answer 5

1) cefriaxone
2) Cefotaxime in neonates
3) Steroids
4) Amoxicillin to cover listeria

Question 6

what are the clinical features encephalitis

4

Answer 6

Brain tissue is involved:
1-altered behaviour
2-Neurological symptoms 
3-Fever
4-RASH

Question 7

How do we diagnose encephalitis

Answer 7

1) CT, MRI
2) Lumbar puncture
3) PCR from throat , blood, CSF
4) EEG

Question 8

how do we treat encephalitis

4

Answer 8

1)sedation , ventilation , hydration , seizure management
2)Osmotherapy
3)Steroids
4)Antivirals
Aciclovir = nucleoside analogue= binds to DNA polymerase and stops viral DNA being formed