Meningitis can be very serious, as a matter of fact certain types of bacterial meningitis can be rapidly fatal without early treatment. It is a condition considered a medical emergency that is related to infectious diseases.
Just a little basic anatomy before continue. The brain and spinal cord have two protective coatings, the outer bony part composed of the spinal cord and skull, and three inner layers of membranes called the meninges.
Between and around the meninges are spaces, the most important for our discussion is the subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space is where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is located.
What is CSF? This is a liquid produced by the choroid plexus. It provides buoyancy and cushioning for the brain, it transports nutrients and waste clean around the brain and spinal cord and the brain monitors internal environment.
So what is meningitis? It is an infection within the subarachnoid space or across the meninges. According to the offending organism, meningitis is considered to be septic (bacteria) or aseptic (viral).
How micro-organisms find their way to the central nervous system (CNS)? There are four routes of infection:
o Bloodborne
The organism in the blood passes through the defense mechanism known as the blood-brain barrier. It the most common and not well understood.
o On a site close to the infected CNS
Infection from the middle ear or sinuses that is near or adjacent to the CNS.
o The result of surgery or trauma that can enable organizations in the CNS.
o Some viruses such as rabies or herpes simplex can travel along nerves to the brain.
Some factors may make you more susceptible to meningitis. The first is age. Thanks to an immature immune system, infants are most at risk. They usually seek the organism from colonized tract vagina of the mother. Group B streptococcus, E. coli and other gram-negative bacilli and Listeria are the main causes of bacterial meningitis in the newborn.
Haemphilus influenza B was once the leading cause of meningitis in children under 6. But since the introduction of Hib vaccine, he been extremely rare.
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are associated with young adults in particular in environments as close military barracks and college dormitories.
In adults, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Listeria are important causes.
The unit breathing is the main portal of many of these organizations, so the factors that predispose to pneumonia also do this with meningitis, alcoholism, diabetes, splenectomy and immunosuppression.
In bacterial meningitis, the following are typical symptoms: high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), skin rashes and seizures. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications and death.
permanent deafness, neurological problems and hydrocephalus are the sequelae.
Chronic meningitis is a common problem among people who are immunosuppressed. Unlike acute bacterial meningitis, the chronic form may persist for long periods of time and are often the result of a slow growing organism like a fungus. Cryptococcus neoformans is a common cause of chronic meningitis.
Aseptic meningitis is associated with viral infections and is usually self- limiting. Some symptoms are similar to those of bacterial meningitis. Enteroviruses are by far the most common cause of aseptic meningitis.
Meningitis is diagnosed by staining and culture of CSF for bacteria delinquency. In addition, determination of chemical concentration glucose and protein useful indicators. The CSF is collected via lumbar puncture.
May have prevented meningitis? Some of organisms that cause meningitis are spread by respiratory route. If you have close contact with someone with the disease, your risk is increased.
The Hand washing is the key to preventing almost all diseases. Avoid certain foods if you are pregnant or immunocompromised because of the risk of Listeria.
Furthermore vaccination has been reported previously for Haemophilus influenzae type B, there is also a vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis in the immunization schedule for children under two.
For adults aged over 65, there is a vaccine against pneumococcus, which is recommended by the CDC.
For children aged 11-18, there is a vaccine for meningococcal meningitis. For your child live in a college dorm, it is mandatory.
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