Meningitis Flashcards
What does the CNS comprise of?
Brain and spinal column
What is cerebro spinal fluid (CSF)?
Clear fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space and ventricular system cushioning the brain
How do infections of the CNS originate?
Generally originate from bloodstream
or severe trauma to head or spine
What is the blood brain barrier (BBB)
Separation of circulating blood and the CSF in the CNS
What is the meninges?
System of protective membranes enveloping the CNS
What do the meninges comprise of?
Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of meninges (due to infection)
What pathogen can meningitis be caused by?
Bacteria (most severs)
Virus
Fungi
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Fever
Photophobia
Neck stiffness
Altered mental status (drowsiness)
What common organism infects neonates?
Group B Streptocooci
E. coli
What common organism infects infants/children/adults?
N. menigitidis
Streptococci pneumoniae
What common organism infects immunosuppressed patients?
Cryptococcus neoformans
L. monocytogenes
What is the glass test?
Purpuric rash does not fade under pressure from glass
Sign of meningococcal septicaemia
What pathogenicity factors does Neisseria meningitidis have?
Type IV pilus (mucosal colonisation) Polysaccharide capsule (avoid phagocytosis) Major toxin lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) endotoxin
How does Neisseria meningitidis infect?
Crosses the nasopharyngeal mucosa to the bloodstream which then crosses the BBB