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Meningitis -Causes and Risk Factors | 15th June, 2017

Meningitis affects the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and protect the central nervous system (CNS), together with the cerebrospinal fluid and treatment with antibiotics must start as soon as possible.
 
Other types of meningitis include viral, parasitic, fungal, and non-infectious meningitis, but the bacterial type is the most severe.
 
Vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis.
 
Causes and risk factors
 
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that cover the brain.
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a range of bacteria, including:
 
  • Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) type B (Hib)
  • Neisseria meningitides (N. meningitides)
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia)
  • Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes
  • Group B Streptococcus
At different ages, people are more likely to be affected by different strains.
 
The bacteria that cause meningitis usually pass from one person to another, for example, through droplets in coughs and sneezes or through saliva or spit. Some types can spread through food.
 
Group B streptococcus can pass from mothers to newborns during delivery.
 
Some people are carriers. They have the bacteria, but they do not develop symptoms. Living in a house with either a carrier or someone who has meningitis increases the risk.
 
It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to prevent meningitis. . influenza is the main cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5 in countries that do not offer the Hib vaccine.
 
Risk factors
Bacterial meningitis can happen at any age, but infants are more susceptible.
 
Other factors that increase the risk include:
 
  • an anatomical defect or trauma, such as a skull fracture, and some kinds of surgery, if these allow a way for bacteria to enter the nervous system
  • an infection in the head or neck area
  • spending time in communities, for example, at school or college
  • living in or traveling to certain locations, such as sub-Saharan Africa
  • having a weakened immune system, due to a medical condition or treatment
  • working in laboratories and other settings where meningitis pathogens are present
Recurrent bacterial meningitis is possible but rare. Studies show that 59 percent of recurrent cases are due to anatomical defects, and 36 percent occur in people with a weakened immune system.
 
Symptoms
  • Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the meningococcus bacteria.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of meningitis can appear either suddenly or over a few days. They normally emerge in 3 to 7 days after infection.
 
Early symptoms of meningitis include:
 
  • nausea and vomiting
  • fever
  • headache and a stiff neck
  • muscle pain
  • sensitivity to light
  • confusion
  • cold hands or feet and mottled skin
  • in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure
Later symptoms include seizures and coma.
 
Infants may:
 
  • breathe quickly
  • refuse feeds and be irritable
  • cry excessively, or give a high-pitched moan
  • be stiff, with jerky movements, or listless and floppy
  • The fontanelle may be bulging.
 
Meningitis rash glass test

A meningitis rash occurs if blood leaks into the tissue under the skin. It may start as a few small spots in any part of the body, then spread rapidly and look like fresh bruises. The glass test can assist in identifying a meningeal rash.

  • Press the side of a drinking glass firmly against the rash.
  • If the rash fades and loses color under pressure, it is not a meningitis rash.
  • If it does not change color, you should contact a doctor immediately.
  • The rash or spots may fade and then come back.
 
Treatment
Treatment for bacterial meningitis normally involves admission to the hospital, and possibly an intensive care unit.
 
Antibiotics are essential, and these may be started before the results of tests come back, possibly before arrival at the hospital.
 
Treatment includes:
 
  • Antibiotics: These are usually given intravenously.
  • Corticosteroids: These may be given if inflammation is causing pressure in the brain, but studies show conflicting results.
  • Acetaminophen, or paracetamol: Together with cool sponge baths, cooling pads, fluids, and room ventilation, these reduce fever.
  • Anticonvulsants: If the patient has seizures, an anticonvulsant, such as phenobarbital or Dilantin, may be used.
  • Oxygen therapy: Oxygen will be administered to assist with breathing.
  • Fluids: Intravenous fluids can prevent dehydration, especially if the patient is vomiting or cannot drink.
  • Sedatives: These will calm the patient if they are irritable or restless.
  • Blood tests may be used to monitor the patients levels of blood sugar, sodium, and other vital chemicals.
Your health our concern!
 
Mawuena Workartey/ Ghanahospitals.org
 

     
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