Meningitis

Question 1

Define meningitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of the lining of brain + spinal cord

Question 2

Define encephalitis

Answer 2

Inflammation of brain itself

Question 3

Most common pathogens?

Answer 3

Viral or bacterial (N. Meninitidis or S. pneumonae)

Question 4

Meningococcal age group, pathogen and Sx?

Answer 4

3 months - 19 years old
Pathogen = neisseria meningitis (releases an endotoxin)
Sx = medical emergency. Non-blanching rash, fever, stiff neck, photophobia

Question 5

What does presence of the meningococcal rash indicate?

Answer 5

Sepsis.

However, lack of rash does not exclude it

Question 6

Which meningococcal vaccine is included in childhood scheme?

Answer 6

Hiberix vaccine - conjugated with tetanus

Question 7

Empirical Tx of meningitis?

Answer 7

Dexamethasone + ceftriaxone

Question 8

Is prophylaxis required?

Answer 8

Yes - for close contacts and treating health professionals (if insufficient PPE was used)