Neuro: 17.3: Meningitis Flashcards
Which HSV type is more associated with viral meningitis?
HSV-2
If the meningitis is due to a viral cause, what will the LP findings be?
- high WBCs (lymphocytes)
- normal glucose
- normal/increased protein
- normal/increased opening pressure
Organism?
- gram positive
- lancet-shaped diplococci
- encapsulated
Strep. pneumo
What layer of the meninges is tightly attached to the brain?
the pia mater
Organism?
- family = picornavirus
- envelope = no
- genome = ss positive sense linear
- capsid = icosahedral
Coxsackievirus
What is the tx for Listeria monocytogenes meningitis?
ampicillin
Dx?
- CSF findings = high lymphocytes, low glucose
fungal meningitis
What are the 3 most common causes of meningitis in a neonate?
- Group B strep
- E. coli
- Lysteria monocytogenes
Organism?
- 5–10 μm with narrow budding
- Heavily encapsulated yeast
- Not dimorphic
Cryptococcus neoformans
What special media is Haemophilus influenzae cultured on? Why?
- chocolate agar
- contains factor V (NAD+) and X (hematin)
Dx?
- CSF findings = high lymphocytes, normal glucose
viral meningitis
What is the tx for Haemophilus influenzae meningitis?
ceftriaxone
What is the main virulence factor for Strep. pneumo?
the capsule
Organism?
- gram positive cocci
- beta-hemolytic
- Hippurate positive
- produces CAMP factor
Group B strep
Organism?
- gram negative rod
- fimbriae
- K-capsule
- LPS endotoxin
E. coli
What is the prophylaxis for Haemophilus influenzae meningitis?
rifampin
What is the standard treatment for meningitis? What if Listeria is suspected?
- ceftriaxone and vancomycin empirically
- add ampicillin if Listeria is suspected
What is the most common causative agent of meningitis in nonvaccinated infants?
H. influenzae
Haemophilus influenzae: IgA protease positive or negative?
positive
Neisseria meningiditis: IgA protease positive or negative?
positive
What is the gram stain and morphology of Listeria monocytogenes?
- gram positive rod
- “rocket tails”
- tumbling
Organism?
- gram positive rod
- “rocket tails”
- tumbling
Listeria monocytogenes
Name 5 viral causes of meningitis.
- enteroviruses (coxsackie)
- HSV-2
- HIV
- West Nile
- VZV
Where should you place the needle when performing an LP? Why? What is the landmark to help you?
- place needle btw L3-L4 or L4-L5
- the spinal cord ends at L2
- landmark = the level of the iliac crest
- *** “to keep the cord alive, keep the needle between L3 and L5”
Strep. pneumo: optochin sensitive or resistant?
sensitive