Micro - CNS Infections Flashcards
Acute Meningitis
Most common pathogen at all non neonate ages
Neisseria/Strep OR E. Coli
Neisseria/Strep
Acute Meningitis
Most common pathogen in neonates
GBS/E. Coli OR Neisseria
GBS/E.Coli
Acute Meningitis
Post-transplant
Crypto OR Strep
Cryptoccoccus
Classically in immunocompromised along with HIV, E Coli and Listeria
When stained with india ink, will result in a ‘halo’ forming around the cells as the cells do not take up the ink
Acute Meningitis
Pregnant Mother
Staph or Listeria
Listeria
Classical case
Chronic Meningitis
weeks to months
TB or Crypto
TB
Fever, rash, chills, intense headache, abdo pain, myalgia. Microscopy shows gram -ve corkscrew shaped bacterium.
Listeria or Leptospira
Leptospira causing Weil’s Disease
Bacteria spread by rodent urine - contagious as long as it is fresh. ‘Sewage contact’ - giveaway
Starts with non-specific flu like symptoms. Can last up to a week. If progresses to next phase of severe symptoms, it is called Weil’s disease.
Can progress to Severe Pulmonary Haemorrhage Syndrome, Kidney, Liver, Heart or Brain
Flu like symptoms with migrating bullseye rash followed by meningitis. Microscopy shows Gram -ve spirochetes
Lyme or Leptospira
Lyme Disease
Caused by Borrelia bacteria in tick bites (spread originally from mice and other small animals).
Starts with a bullseye shaped rash - ‘erythema migrans’ - because it migrates and expands.
If disseminates, can cause carditis (AV block), meningitis or arthritis. Can also cause a bilateral facial nerve palsy. This can happen 1 year post infection.
You start treatment antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease. Pt suddenly has symptoms of septic shock.
Allergic Reaction OR Jarish-Herxheimer Reaction
Jarish-Herxheimer Reaction
Thought to be caused by spirochetes breaking apart and releasing endotoxins, causing sepsis like symptoms.
Acute Meningitis post neuro surgery
Staph or Strep
Staph
Staph is more likely to be spread locally
Acute Meningitis with petechial rash
Gram -ve diplo
Neisseria
Acute Meningitis post ear infection
Gram +ve diplo
Strep
Acute Meningitis in body builder who likes drinking raw milk.
Gram +ve Cat +ve rods
Listeria
Viral Meningitis - CNS not cloudy
Herpes or Entero
Entero
Most common viral cause. Consists of Entero, cocksackie B.
Other possible causes include mumps, measles, chicken pox
CSF clear, no cells. Fever and focal neuro symptoms.
Cerebral Abscess or Haemorrhage
Abscess
Background of Ottis Media/Sinus or Endocarditis
Usually mass effect symptoms, fever only in 50%
Confusion + other Sx
Meningitis OR Encephalitis
Encephalitis
If there is confusion, or behavioral change, its encephalitis
