Lecture 2 (meningitis) Flashcards
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges.
What are meninges?
Coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Protects and encloses the brain.
What causes meningitis?
Microbes infecting the cerebral spinal fluid.
What is the structure of Neisseria meningitidis? (one of the causes of meningitis)
Gram negative (pink). Diplococcus. Capsule made of sugars outside the cell wall.
How is Neisseria menigitidis transmitted?
Droplet transmission.
How does Neisseria menigitidis enter the body?
Through mucosal membranes (nose, throat, eyes), and then may enter the bloodstream/ CSF.
What does endotoxin do?
Activates blood clotting, leads to DIC, hemorrhage and shock. Is contained in the cell wall.
What is the nickname of Neisseria meningitidis?
Meningococcus (singular.) meningococci (plural.)
How do you diagnose meningitis?
Take a spinal tap. Gram stain fluid and make a culture. Determine susceptible antibiotics.
Symptoms of meningitis?
Headache, stiff neck, photosensitivity, nausea, sore throat, petichiae
Symptoms of sepsis?
Fever, petichiae, shock, hemorrhage, internal organ meltdown.
Sepsis vs meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges.
Sepsis is the replication of bacteria in the blood.
