This paper discusses different criteria related to meningitis. In order to understand this better, the paper looks at three distinct pathogens which might cause meningitis. Of the three forms, there are viral, bacterial, and fungal causes for the disease. Each has risks and the potential to cause even more dangers in thier life.
Meningitis
Select one bacterial, one fungal, and one viral pathogen capable of producing meningitis in humans.
Bacterial: Neisseria meningitidis
Fungal: Cryptococcus neoformans
Viral: Epstein-Barr virus
Describe the general characteristics and structure of each pathogen.
Neisseria meningitidis: parasitic, aerobic, Gram-negative, non-endospore forming, nonmotile, coccal bacterium (Devoe 1982,-page 162).
Cryptococcus neoformans: grows as a yeast, unicellular, replicates by budding, makes hyphae during mating, eventually creates basidospores (Heitman 2011).
Epstein-Barr virus: mature particle has diameter of 120 nm to 180 nm; has protein capsid, embedded with glycoproteins (Odumade 2011).
Describe in detail the pathogenic process for each pathogen. (How does the microbe produce meningitis?)
Neisseria meningitidis: Human infection begins with inhalation, attaching itself to the epithelial cells. Bacteria then passes the mucosal barrier and enters the bloodstream (Todar 2007).
Cryptococcus neoformans: Spores are inhaled by human beings. Infection can then spread throughout the body, most particularly the central nervous system (McClelland 2007,-page 131).
Epstein-Barr virus: The virus infects the salivary gland cells when brought into the mouth by saliva. The growth cycle of the virus is completed in this gland. At this point, infectious virus particles are created. This permanently alters the body's lymphatic system (Epstein-Barr 2013).
4. What are the risk factors for infection with each pathogen?
Neisseria meningitidis: Approximately 1 in 10 patients die, most within 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Up to 1 in 5 of all survivors suffer from brain damage, loss of hearing, amputation of an arm or leg, or other permanent harm to the person's body (Dangers 2013).
Cryptococcus neoformans: People can die within 30 days of infection.
Epstein-Barr virus: This can lead to the development of serious diseases, including cancers. Rupture of the spleen is also a possibility. Obstruction of the airway can occur because of swelling lymph nodes (Stoppler 2013).
5. What are the common methods used to diagram infection?
Neisseria meningitidis: Diagnosis is usually made by taking sterile bodily fluid and isolating the infection. If bacteria have already reached the circulatory system, blood cultures can be performed. These tests usually take between 2 and 48 hours to assess (Mole 2008).
Cryptococcus neoformans: Diagnosis is performed by microscopic examination and culture of bodily tissue or body fluids, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or saliva. There is also a cyptococcal antigen test which can be performed on blood or cerebrospinal fluids. The culture allows a fungus to grow and develop if it is present in the sample being tested.
Epstein-Barr virus: Most patients will suffer from three symptoms: fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Tests performed on blood are checked to test for white blood cells, the number of lymphocytes, and a "mono" test. There is also a test, the Paul-Bunnell heterophile antibody test which looks for either a positive or negative presence (CDC 2006).
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