Meningitis Flashcards
Meningitis
inflammation/infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
S. pneumo Morphology
Gm+ cocci (pairs or chains)
H. flu Morphology
Gm- coccobacilli
N. meningitidis Morphology
Gm- cocci
Gram - Bacteria (E coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas) Morphology
Gm- bacilli
Listeria monocytogenes Morphology
Gm+ bacilli
Meningitis Risk Factors
- anything that decreases immune function (sickle cell anemia, asplenic, HIV, DM, URI, otitis media)
- penetrating trauma or surgery near the brain (cochlear implants, head trauma)
Meningitis Sequelae
- sensorineural hearing loss
- hydrocephalus
- focal sensory motor deficits
- seizure disorder
- death 2-30% (20% average)
Intrathecal Route
meds delivered to spinal cord
Intraventricular Route
meds delivered directly to ventricles
Factors that Increase Penetration of Abx into CSF
- meningeal inflammation
- low molecular weight med
- lipid soluble med
- compounds that remain un-ionized at physiologic pH
- low protein bound meds
What meds can reach therapeutic levels in CSF +/- inflammation?
- TMP/sulfonamides
- chloramphenicol
- rifampin
- metronidazole
- isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethionamide (TB drugs)
What meds can reach therapeutic levels in CSF with meningeal inflammation?
- most beta lactams (but not 1st/2nd gen cephs)
- penicillin, nafcillin
- cephalosporins
- imipenem
- vancomycin
- fluconazole
- acyclovir
What meds cannot reach therapeutic levels in CSF?
- aminoglycosides
- 1st and 2nd gen cephalosporins (except cefuroxime)
- clindamycin
- amphotericin
Pathophysiologic Responses of Meningitis
- increased ICP
- decreased cerebral blood flow
- ischemic and direct tissue damage
CSF Findings for Meningitis
- very high WBC (1000-5000)
- high neutrophils (>80)
- high protein (100-500)
- low glucose (<40)
Likely Meningitis Pathogens for Age: <1 month
- Group B strep
- E coli
- Listeria
- Klebsiella
Likely Meningitis Pathogens for Age: 1-23 months
- S. pneumo
- N. mening
- Group B strep
- H. flu
- E. coli
Likely Meningitis Pathogens for Age: age 2-50
- S. pneumo
- N. mening
Likely Meningitis Pathogens for Age: > 50
- S. pneumo
- N. mening
- Listeria
- gram negative bacilli