Meningococcal disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is meningitis
A
inflammation of meninges caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
2
Q
Neisseria meningitidis
A
Infects nasopharynx
A,B,C,W,X,Y
Gram -ve diplococci
Transmitted via respiratory droplets
3
Q
Pathophysiology of meningitis
A
Cells secrete IL-6,8 and TNF-a
This causes inflammation and leaky cells across the BBB
More invasion of cells which leads to sx
4
Q
Meningococcal disease
A
Meningococcal meningitis + meningococcal septicaemia
5
Q
Sx meningitis
A
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Cold extremities + shivering
- Mottled skin
- Breathless
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Photophobia
- Sleepy
- Confusion
- Seizures
6
Q
Diagnosing meningitis
A
Blood culture, PCR, throat swab, cloudy CSF, lumbar puncture
