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MENINGITIS
Group 3

What is Meningitis?
n

Meningitis usually results from a viral infection, but the

cause may also be a bacterial infection. Less commonly, a
fungal infection may cause meningitis. Because bacterial
infections are the most serious and can be lifethreatening, identifying the source of the infection is an
important part of developing a treatment plan.

Causative agents: Virus, bacteria, fungus or protozoan

Clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the

meninges.

It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the

brain and the spinal cord.

Most viral meningitis cases in

the United States, especially
during the summer months,
are caused by enteroviruses;
however, only a small number
of people with enterovirus
infections actually develop
meningitis.

Can be caused by:

n

By the ingestion of poisons

Injection or ingestion of drugs

Reaction to vaccine or a
pathogen

Other viral infections that may lead to

Meningitis:
n

Mumps

Herpes virus, including Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex

viruses, and varicella-zoster virus (which also causes chicken
pox and shingles)

Measles

Influenza

Viruses spread through mosquitoes and other insects

(arboviruses)

In rare cases, LCMV (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus),

which is spread by rodents

TESTS and DIAGNOSIS

Blood Culture
n

Blood drawn from a vein is

sent to a laboratory and
placed in a special dish to see
if it grows microorganisms,
particularly bacteria. A sample
may also be placed on a slide
to which stains are added
(Gram's stain), then examined
under a microscope for
bacteria.

Imaging
n

.X-rays and computerized

tomography (CT) scans of the
head, chest or sinuses may
reveal swelling or
inflammation. These tests can
also help your doctor look for
infection in other areas of the
body that may be associated
with meningitis.

Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)

n

The definitive diagnosis of

meningitis requires an analysis
of your cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF), which is collected
during a procedure known as
a spinal tap. In people with
meningitis, the CSF fluid often
shows a low sugar (glucose)
level along with an increased
white blood cell count and
increased protein.

CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify the exact
bacterium that's causing the illness. If your doctor suspects
viral meningitis, he or she may order a DNA-based test
known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification or
a test to check for antibodies against certain viruses to check
for the specific causes of meningitis. This helps to determine
proper treatment and prognosis.

TRANSMISSION

Enteroviruses, the most

common cause of viral
meningitis, are most often
spread from person to person
through fecal contamination
(which can occur when
changing a diaper or using the
toilet and not properly
washing hands afterwards).

Enteroviruses can also be

spread through respiratory
secretions (saliva, sputum, or
nasal mucus) of an infected
person. Other viruses, such as
mumps and varicella-zoster
virus, may also be spread
through direct or indirect
contact with saliva, sputum, or
mucus of an infected person.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS

Meningitis infection is
characterized by a sudden
onset of fever, headache, and
stiff neck. It is often
accompanied by other
symptoms, such as:

Nausea

Vomiting

Photophobia (sensitivity to
light)

Altered mental status

VIRAL MENINGITIS

What is a Viral Meningitis?

n

Sometimes referred to as aseptic meningitis, because

about 50% of the cases, the pathogen cannot be identified.

Maybe caused by a virus that specifically infects the

meninges

Maybe the result of an immune reaction to a virus that does

not specifically infect the brain (example: Chicken pox,
rubella, measles)

Viral meningitis can affect anyone at any age. It is usually less

severe than bacterial meningitis and normally clears up
without specific treatment, but in some cases viral meningitis
can be severe or fatal.

The symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for

bacterial meningitis, which can be fatal. Because of this, it is
important to see a healthcare provider right away if you think
you or your child might have meningitis.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS

Classic triad of bacterial

meningitis:
n

Fever

Headache

Neck stiffness

Other symptoms can include

nausea, vomiting, photalgia
(photophobia), sleepiness,
confusion, irritability,
delirium, and coma. Patients
with viral meningitis may have
a history of preceding
systemic symptoms (eg,
myalgias, fatigue, or
anorexia).

The history also address the ff:

n

Epidemiologic factors and

predisposing risks

Exposure to a patients or
animals with a similar illness

Previous medical treatment

and existing conditions

Geographic location and

travel history

Season and temperature

TREATMENT

Most cases ofviral

meningitisare benign and
self-limited.

Often, patients need only

supportive care and require no
specific therapy.

In certain instances, specific

antiviral therapy may be
indicated, if available.
Instituting antiretroviral
therapy may be necessary for
patients with HIV meningitis
that occurs during an acute
seroconversion syndrome.

PREVENTION

There are no vaccines for the most common causes of viral

meningitis. Thus, the best way to prevent viral meningitis is to
prevent the spread of viral infections. However, that can be
difficult because sometimes people infected with a virus do
not appear sick, but they can still spread it to others.

Wash your hands thoroughly

and often, especially after
changing diapers, using the
toilet, or coughing or blowing
your nose.

Disinfect frequently touched

surfaces, such as doorknobs
and the TV remote control.

Avoid kissing or sharing cups

or eating utensils with sick
people; avoid sharing with
others when you are sick.

Make sure you and your child

are vaccinatedon schedule.
Vaccinations included in the
childhood vaccination
schedule can protect children
against some diseases that can
lead to viral meningitis. These
include vaccines against
measles and mumps (
MMR vaccine) and chickenpox
(varicella-zoster vaccine).

Avoid bites from mosquitoes

and other insects that carry
diseases that can infect
humans.

Control mice and rats. If you

have a rodent infestation in
and/or around your home,
follow the cleaning and control
precautions listed on CDCs
website
aboutLCMV(Lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus).