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Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection that invades the cerebral spinal fluid. A fungus or parasite may cause meningitis. Meningitis can occur in infants, children and adults.

Bacterial Meningitis

In newborns and young babies, the following can cause bacterial meningitis:

  • Group B streptococcus
  • E. coli infection
  • Listeria monocytogenes

In older babies and children:

  • Haemophilus influenza type b
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Streptococcus pneumonia

Other bacteria that may cause meningitis:

  • Syphilis
  • Tuberculosis

Viral Meningitis

Possible causes:

  • Polioviruses
  • Enteroviruses
  • Mumps
  • Herpes Simplex Virus
  • Lyme disease
  • Fungi – candida, aspergillus, or cryptococcus neoformans

Transmission

Organisms that cause meningitis usually colonize in a person’s respiratory tract. Transmission is through close contact with persons who are carrying the infection, or by touch infected objects – doorknobs, hard surfaces, telephone receivers, or toys, and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes.

Organisms may also be transmitted through sneezes, coughs, close conversation or touching infected matter The infection usually begins in the respiratory tract, and travels into the bloodstream where is can reach the brain or spinal cord.

Meningitis Symptoms

In infants:

  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Poor feeding
  • High-pitched cry
  • Arching back
  • Cries when picked up or being held
  • Inconsolable crying
  • Soft spot on the infant’s head

In children older than one year:

  • Neck and/or back pain
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Refusing food
  • Decreased level of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Light sensitivity
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Neck stiffness

Treatment

For bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics are the usual treatment.

For viral meningitis, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Recovery usually occurs over time.

For fungal meningitis, intravenous anti-fungal medications may be given.

For TB meningitis, a year-long course of medications is recommended.

Supportive Therapy:

  • Bed rest
  • Increased fluid intake
  • Medications to reduce fever and headache
  • Supplemental oxygen if there is trouble breathing

Prevention:

Several vaccines are used to prevent some of the bacterial organisms that can cause meningitis:

  • H. influenza type b (3-4 part series during child’s routine immunizations, starting at two months
  • Pneumococcal cojugate vaccine (PCV7) – at 2 4, 6, and 12-15 months

Recommended immunizations for the following at-risk groups:

  • Children without a spleen
  • College students
  • Military recruits
  • Individuals traveling to countries with high incidence of meningococcal infections (parts of Africa)
  • Close family members exposed to meningitis
  • H. influenza type b
  • Meningococcal meningitis

Source: Centers for Disease Control