Meningitis

Question 1

What is bacterial meningitis?

Answer 1

infection of the surface of the brain (meninges) by bacteria that have usually travelled there from mucosal surfaces via the bloodstream
The inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.

Question 2

What are the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in children and young people aged 3 months or older?

Answer 2

Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

Question 3

What is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in neonates?

Answer 3

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus), Escherichia coli, S pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes

Question 4

what is septicaemia?

Answer 4

Blood poisoning form of meningitis

Question 5

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

Answer 5

Initially starts with flu like symptoms:
intense headache, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and bulging fontanelle in children

Within a few hours it will develop into: delirium, coma and convulsions

Additional in infants :irritability, tiredness and poor feeding.

Question 6

What does a sample of cerebrospinal fluid show in patients with meningitis for a definitive diagnosis?

Answer 6

Low glucose level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein