Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Complex Infections > Meningitis > Flashcards

Meningitis Flashcards

1
Q

What is meningitis?

A

Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal chord (meninges)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What can cause meningitis?

A

Infective causes:
Bacteria (greatest level of mortality)
Viruses e.g., Herpes
Fungi

Non infective causes:
Trauma (brain injury)
Drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which bacteria causes meningitis?

A

Most common = neiserria meningitis (gram negative diplococci)

13 types characterised by surfaces structures in the capsule and outer cell membrane

6 responsible for majority of cases -
A, B, C, X, Y and W-135

Others:

  • S. Pneumoniae (gram positive cocci)
  • H. Influenzae type B (gram negative rods)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How is neiserria meningitis transmitted?

A
  • Inhabits human nasopharynx
  • Transmitted by droplets/secretions from upper respiratory tract
  • Spread through close contact
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How are other organisms transmitted?

A

Infections of the skin, urinary tract and GI tract may be transmitted via the bloodstream

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the pathophysiology of meningitis?

A
  1. Bacteria invade subarachnoid space
  2. Causes inflammation and decreases CSF resorption
  3. BBB disrupted
  4. Inflammation of brain parenchyma
  5. Leads to oedema or ischaemia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are risk factors of meningitis?

A

Infants and young children
Community settings (increased close contact)
Asplenia
People with compromised immune system
People exposed to active/passive tobacco smoke
Elderly
Pregnancy
Working with animals (increased risk of listeria bacteria meningitis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are symptoms of meningitis?

A 
Fever 
Headache 
Photophobia 
Neck stiffness 
Petechial rash
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does meningitis present in young children?

A 
Fever 
Nausea, vomiting, poor feeding
Irritability, drowsiness, confusion
Muscle and joint ache
Cold extremities 
Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure e.g. irregular breathing 
Petechial rash
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are Kernig’s sign in meningitis?

A

Severe stiffness of hamstring causes inability to straighten leg when hip is flexed to 90^

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is Brudzinski’s sign of meningitis?

A

Severe stiffness in neck causes patients hips and knees to flex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How can meningitis be presented?

A

Bacterial meningitis
Septicaemia
Both

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How to diagnose meningitis?

A 
History
Physical examination 
Blood tests (FBC, CRP, culture) 
Imaging (CT)
Microbiological testing of cerebral fluid
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the characteristics of the antibiotics used to treat meningitis?

A

Bactericidal
Broad spectrum
Cross the BBB therefore lipophilic
Rapid treatment (IV)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which antibiotics are used to treat meningitis?

A

Ceftriaxone (bactericidal, broad spectrum, moderately lipophilic)

OR

Cefotaxime

use Chloramphenicol if unable to take cephlasporins due to hypersensitivity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is administered in early treatment of meningitis?

A

Single stat dose of benzylpenicillin (IV)

Urgent referral to hospital and supportive care e.g oxygen and IV fluids

17
Q

What are supportive therapies for meningitis?

A 
Respiratory support 
IV fluids 
Corticosteroids 
Anticonvulsant therapy
Management of complications of septicaemia and shock
–Correction of metabolic disturbances
–Vasoactive therapies
–Renal replacement therapies if required
18
Q

What are long term complications of meningitis?

A

Fatigue
Emotional changes
Hearing loss, visual disturbances, neurological problems
Septicaemia -> renal failure, orthopaedic and skin complications

19
Q

Who is chemoprophylaxis treatment indicated for?

A

Those in prolonged close contact (same household during 7 days prior to presentation)

Those in transient close contact (direct exposure to large particle droplets/secretions from respiratory tract of pt around time if hospital admission)

The patient! Given as soon as able to take oral meds unless treated with ceftriaxone

20
Q

Who is chemoprophylaxis NOT indicated for?

A

Staff and children attending same nursery/school
Residents of nursing homes
Food or drink sharing or similar low level of salivary contact
Travelling in next seat on same public transport

21
Q

When is chemoprophylaxis given? And what type of antibiotics are prescribed?

A

As soon as possible after diagnosis

  1. Ciprofloxacin (all ages and pregnancy, single dose)
  2. Rifampicin (all patients, given twice daily for 2 days but many interactions)
  3. Ceftriaxone (via injection so used when other options unsuitable)
22
Q

Which abx are given for infants younger than 3 months

A

Cefotaxime + ampicillin OR amoxicillin

Complex Infections (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions