Meningitis

Question 1

Definition of Meningitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of the meninges due to an infection. Meninges = lining of the brain and spinal. cerebrospinal fluid is contained within the meninges (subarachnoid space).

Question 2

aetiology bacterial (3)

Answer 2

Neisseria
Streptococcus
Listeria monocytogenes

Question 3

Where does the bacteria enter from

Answer 3

Ears, nose, throat, blood. In many cases, an injury, invasive procedure, or septicaemia.

Question 4

Why is bacterial meningitis hard to treat

Answer 4

gram negative - encompassed by a capsule that enables them to resist phagocytosis.

Question 5

Viral Meningitis aetiology (3)

Answer 5

Enterovius
Herpes simplex
Varicella virus

Question 6

Which meningitis is the most common

Answer 6

Viral

Question 7

Viruses usually produce

Answer 7

mild forms of the disease that require no treatment

Question 8

Clinical features of Meningitis (4)

Answer 8

Headache
Stiff neck ( a key clinical sign characterised by the physical resistance to flexion)
nausea
vomiting

Question 9

Diagnosis 1

Answer 9

Lumbar puncture: involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Samples are sent for bacterial culture, viral PCR, cell count, protein and glucose

Question 10

Diagnosis 2

Answer 10

Examination of the CSF for pathogens and white blood cells

Question 11

Why is laboratory identification of bacteria (culturing of CSF and blood sample) essential?

Answer 11

so that the most effective antibiotic drug can be used.

Question 12

Meningitis prognosis

Answer 12

In cases of bacterial meningitis, early treatment with antibiotics can have good results. Untreated cases have a high death rate. Vaccines are available against some of the bacteria that cause meningitis.