meningitis Flashcards
what type of bacteria niseria meningitidis?
- gram negative diplococci
what are the maiin causes of meningitis in children and adults?
- neisseria meningitidis and streptococcus pneumoniae
what is the most common cause of meningitis in neonates?
GBS
what has happened when children appear with a non blanching rash?
- meningicoccal septicaemia
- bacteraemia- in the blood stream
- DIC
Which children need a lumbar puncture?
- <1month presenting with fever
- 1-3 months fever and unwell
- <1 year with unexplained fever and other features suggesting they are seriously unwell
what is kernigs test?
lying patient flat and bending knee- to stretch meninges
what is brudzinskis test?
lying patient flat and bending head- stretched meninges
what should be given in the community to child with non blanching rash and suspected meningitis?
- benxylpenicilin before transfer to hospital
which antibiiotics are used to treat <3 month for meningitis?
cefotaxime and amoxicillin- to cover the listeria if contracted in pregnancy
which antibiotics should be given to >3 months for meningitis?
ceftriaxone
when should vancomycin be added to the antibiotic regimine for meningitis?
- if there is a risk of penecilin resistant pneumococcal infection - e.g. recent foregin travel or prolonged abx exposure
who is considered an infectious contact in meningitis?
anyone in contact 7 days prior to the onset of illness- if nnosxs have developed after 77 days they are unlikely to get ill
what is post exposure prophylaxis for meningitis?
single dose of ciprofloxacin within 24 hours
what are the most common causes of viral meningitis?
- HSV
- Enterovirus
- VSV
the sample from the lumbar puncture should be sent for viral PCR testing
where is the lumbar puncture inserted?
l3-4
