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Bacterial meningitis is a rare infection that attacks the meninges that shroud the brain/spinal cord. It is a potentially deadly infection and one that can be contagious as well. It is caused by a bacterial infection, as the name implies, that started somewhere in the body, for example in the sinuses, and made its way to the brain through the bloodstream (Understanding Meningitis -- The Basics, 2015). Thus, in the individual it spreads through the bloodstream, and from person to person, it can spread through close contact, sneezing, or coughing.
There are different bacteria strains that can cause meningitis, such as: pneumococcus (the most common cause in both young children and adults in the U.S., and typically begins as pneumonia or ear/sinus infection); meningococcus, which starts as a respiratory infection that spreads through the bloodstream and is very contagious, mostly found in teenagers and can spread quickly like an epidemic in dormatories, boarding houses, etc. Haemophilus influenza is a bacterium that used to be the most common form in children, and Listeria monocytogenes is another bacteria found in cheeses and lunch counter meats that can impact people with weak immune systems or pregnant women.
In the U.S. there are approximately 4000 cases of bacterial meningitis per year, 500 of which result in death (Thigpen...
Symptoms occur rapidly within one day of the onset of infection. If unchecked, the infection can quickly progress and death can result (Cleveland Clinic, 2015).
The most susceptible people depends on the age group (all age groups are susceptible). Newborns are most susceptible to Group B Streptococcus and Listeria monocytogenes; infants and children are most susceptible to Streptococcus pneumonia and meningitides as well as the influenza. Teens are most susceptible to meningitides and strep; and older adults are most susceptible to streptococcus pneumonia, meningitides, and listeria monocytogetnes.
Exposure does not immunize but it can reduce the risk, which is why vaccination is recommended (Bacterial Meningitis, 2014).
To protect themselves, health professionals recommend that individuals vaccinate for meningitis by getting the meningococcus, pneumococcus and Hib vaccines. When in close contact with infected persons, doctors recommend antibiotics, which can limit the risk of contagion. Also, having healthy diet and exercise habits can keep the immune…
References
Bacterial Meningitis. (2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html#reference
Cleveland Clinic. (2015). Diseases & Conditions: Bacterial Meningitis. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Bacterial_Meningitis
Thigpen, M. et al. (2011). Bacterial meningitis in the United States, 1998-2007. New
England Journal of Medicine, 364: 2016-25.
Understanding Meningitis -- The Basics. (2015). WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-meningitis-basics
Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1) were found to be a biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid during the presence of bacterial meningitis; however, it is not yet recommended for clinical practice (Brouwer et al., 2010). Blood cultures and skin biopsy have been used to detect causative pathogens in patients when cerebrospinal fluid cultures are negative or unavailable, but these tests are not definitive enough to be used
Introduction Meningitis infects the meninges, the delicate membranes that house the spinal cord and the brain. It is a rare infection that can affect adults and children alike. The disease manifests in several types such as through viral, bacterial and fungal varieties. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous and infectious variety. It is a life threatening disease. It infects people in physical contact. Incidentally, viral meningitis is not as severe as
Bacterial Meningitis) Namani, S. A., Koci, R. A., Qehaja-BuAaj, E., Ajazaj-Berisha, L., & Mehmeti, M. (2014). The epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in Kosovo. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 8(07), 823-830. The article aims to present bacterial meningitis epidemiologic features presented in Kosovo, a developing country. The epidemiological data in question was analyzed with patient observation and chart review at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo for two years. The
Meningitis is an inflammation of the coverings of spinal cord and brain. Meningitis results from an infection to the cerebrospinal fluid in the spaces that surround the brain and spinal cord (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Either infections from viruses or from bacteria can cause meningitis; however, the viral form of meningitis is often significantly less severe than its bacterial counterpart and usually resolves without much treatment
Carriers might pass on the disease, but they may not suffer from it for days, months, years or even indefinitely. The cause of susceptibility, other than the obvious -- a weakened immune -- system is not known. People who come in close contact, such as members of a family, children and youngsters at school of day care, those that are sexually or otherwise intimate will transmit the disease. These individuals
It can be quite contagious. Fungal meningitis generally occurs in patients who are immune compromised. The symptoms are similar to viral and bacterial meningitis. As with many opportunistic fungal infections of immune compromised patients, it can be quite serious, and treatment is difficult or impossible. Diagnosis and Treatment The biggest question for physicians treating patients with suspected meningitis is: "is it viral or is it bacterial?" Rapid tests for Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)