MENINGITIS
Causative Agent:
Gram-negative meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Meningitis is caused by different types of bacteria, including, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
History:
Meningitis had been described in ancient texts by Hippocrates and the disease was first reported more than 200 years ago. The first outbreak was recorded in Geneva in 1805. Several other epidemics in Europe and the United States were described shortly afterward.
In Africa the first outbreak was described in 1840. African epidemics became much more common in the 20th century with the first major one was reported in Nigeria and Ghana.
Organisms causing meningitis were identified in the late 19th century and by the end of 19th century more symptoms of the condition were described
Vaccines were introduced in the 1970s, but they didn’t prevent epidemics like those that sweep through Africa. Beginning in 2000, however there had been big progress toward developing and introducing a vaccine to end the epidemics.
Gram-negative meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Meningitis is caused by different types of bacteria, including, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
History:
Meningitis had been described in ancient texts by Hippocrates and the disease was first reported more than 200 years ago. The first outbreak was recorded in Geneva in 1805. Several other epidemics in Europe and the United States were described shortly afterward.
In Africa the first outbreak was described in 1840. African epidemics became much more common in the 20th century with the first major one was reported in Nigeria and Ghana.
Organisms causing meningitis were identified in the late 19th century and by the end of 19th century more symptoms of the condition were described
Vaccines were introduced in the 1970s, but they didn’t prevent epidemics like those that sweep through Africa. Beginning in 2000, however there had been big progress toward developing and introducing a vaccine to end the epidemics.
Epidemiology:
The germs that cause bacterial meningitis are spread from person to person. Some bacteria can spread by exchanging of respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) during close contact, such as coughing. Most of the bacteria that cause meningitis are not as contagious as viruses that cause the common cold or the flu. You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods. The disease of meningitis is most prevalent in a region of sub-Saharan African known as the “meningitis belt”. This region extends from Senegal to Ethiopia, and is known for its seasonal epidemics during the dry season. Across the meningitis belt, at least 350 million people are at risk. Some types of meningitis occurs most commonly in the very young and the very old, with an estimated incidence rate of 17 cases per 100,000 population in children less than five years of age. The death rate for meningitis in children is over 73% in some parts of the world. |
Pathology:
Meningitis is an infection that causes the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord to swell. Inflammation of the brain can cause many problems, to many parts of the body. Trouble with memory and concentration may occur, even after disease has been cured. Children may experience learning difficulties. Swelling in the brain can also interfere with the senses. It can cause ringing in the ears, deafness, speech problems, light sensitivity and loss of vision.
As bacteria multiply in your bloodstream, they may release toxins (septicaemia). Septicaemia is a life-threatening disease which allows the bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. As blood pressure falls and circulation slows, blood vessels become damaged. The lungs and kidneys may deteriorate, and poor circulation puts the fingers, toes, arms, and legs at risk of amputation. Bacterial meningitis usually has three main stages. At first, the bacteria multiply in the nose and throat, often causing no painful symptoms. Next, they enter the blood, introducing toxic substances into the circulation and causing fever. In the third stage, the bacteria multiply in the meninges, where they cause inflammation. Some major signs and symptoms include; confusion, high fever, loss of appetite, seizures, vomiting and stiff neck.
Meningitis is an infection that causes the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord to swell. Inflammation of the brain can cause many problems, to many parts of the body. Trouble with memory and concentration may occur, even after disease has been cured. Children may experience learning difficulties. Swelling in the brain can also interfere with the senses. It can cause ringing in the ears, deafness, speech problems, light sensitivity and loss of vision.
As bacteria multiply in your bloodstream, they may release toxins (septicaemia). Septicaemia is a life-threatening disease which allows the bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. As blood pressure falls and circulation slows, blood vessels become damaged. The lungs and kidneys may deteriorate, and poor circulation puts the fingers, toes, arms, and legs at risk of amputation. Bacterial meningitis usually has three main stages. At first, the bacteria multiply in the nose and throat, often causing no painful symptoms. Next, they enter the blood, introducing toxic substances into the circulation and causing fever. In the third stage, the bacteria multiply in the meninges, where they cause inflammation. Some major signs and symptoms include; confusion, high fever, loss of appetite, seizures, vomiting and stiff neck.
Response and Treatment:
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Treatment may include antibiotics (often given intravenously- admitted into the veins) and hospital care. The most effective way to protect yourself against certain types of bacterial meningitis is to be vaccinated against the three types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. Maintaining healthy habits, like not smoking and avoiding cigarette smoke, getting plenty of rest, and not coming into close contact with people who are sick, can also help. This is especially important for young babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems, since they are at increased risk for serious disease.
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Treatment may include antibiotics (often given intravenously- admitted into the veins) and hospital care. The most effective way to protect yourself against certain types of bacterial meningitis is to be vaccinated against the three types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. Maintaining healthy habits, like not smoking and avoiding cigarette smoke, getting plenty of rest, and not coming into close contact with people who are sick, can also help. This is especially important for young babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems, since they are at increased risk for serious disease.