preview

Bacterial Meningitis Research Paper

Satisfactory Essays

Bacterial Meningitis
Definition / Causes
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by an infection. Meningitis is most often caused by a viral infection. However, meningitis can also be caused by bacterial infections, fungal infections, chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Some of the following bacteria may cause meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitides, and Listeria monocytogenes. As stated in its name, bacterial meningitis, requires a bacterium for and individual to contract the disease. The bacteria are spread through respiratory and throat excretions such as saliva. Saliva can be exchanged through kissing or coughing. …show more content…

Some of the symptoms are as follows: nausea, vomiting, photophobia (an abnormal sensitivity to or intolerance of light), altered mental status (confusion), fever, headache, and stiff neck.

Diagnosis Samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are collected and sent to a laboratory for testing. The specific cause of the meningitis infection is important to doctors and helps them treat it accordingly. In the case of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria can be grown (cultured). Thus, the type of bacteria causing the meningitis can be identified and treated with the appropriate antibiotics.
Treatment / Management
Depending on the severity of infection, bacterial meningitis may get better on its own. However, in severe cases it may be treated with antibiotics and steroids. Supportive care includes oxygen therapy and hospitalization. Early treatment is imperative to reduce the chances of

Get Access