Infectious Diseases Flashcards
What is menigitis?
An acute inflammation of the meningeal tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
What is the etiology of meningitis?
Infection (usually lungs or blood stream) or penetrating wounds
What are the major culprits of meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae and neisseria meningitidis (bacteria)
Enteroviruses
Where does meningitis occur?
The pia mater, subarachnoid space, the ventricular system, and the CSF
When does meningitis occur?
Fall or winter
What does meningitis usually follow?
Infections like otitis or sinusitis, seen in immunocompromised states
How is meningitis spread?
Through respiratory droplets
Who is most at risk for meningitis?
Older adults, college students, and/or prisoners all due to close quarters
What is the patho behind meningitis?
Infection of arachnoid mater and CSF
Inflammatory response and pus secretion
Increase in CSF production
Increase in ICP
What is the classic triad with meningitis?
Fever, headache, and stiff neck
What are the clinical manifestations of meningitis?
N/V
Photophobia
Drowsiness can lead to coma
Seizures
Positive Kernig sign (resistance to leg extension)
Positive Brudzinski sign (neck flexion causes hip / knee flexion)
With meningococcus: skin rash, petechiae
What type of meningitis is the most common?
Acute bacterial
What is the fatality rate of acute bacterial meningitis?
Very high - can kill within hours
Need to start abx immediately
What are the long term effects of acute bacterial meningitis?
Hearing loss, seizures, and / or brain damage
What are the long term effects of acute viral meningitis?
Typically no long term effects
