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Meningitis
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition, which results in the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the central nervous system. It is triggered mainly by either a bacterium or a virus.
401 Questions
Is Meningitis caused by a bacteria or a virus?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a protective coating in your body that defends your spinal nerves and brain. The inflammation is caused when some infection attacks the meninges.
Meningitis is generally sorted into two main types: Bacterial and Viral. The difference, of course, being that one is caused by a bacterial infection, and one is caused by a viral infection. There aren't really any infections that specifically cause meningitis. It's normally caused by some other infection that works its way into the meninges.
However, meningitis can also be caused by various fungi, parasites, allergies to drugs, chemicals, and tumors. Though these are much less common than the bacterial and viral variants.
It is a vaccine for the prevention of bacterial meningococcal disease and meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord).
From manufacturer package literature:
"Menactra vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menactra vaccine is approved for use in individuals 9 months through 55 years of age. Menactra vaccine does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease. "
Is Tubular and bacterial meningitis is the same?
No, tubercular meningitis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while bacterial meningitis can be caused by various types of bacteria. Tubercular meningitis specifically refers to meningitis caused by tuberculosis bacteria, while bacterial meningitis can be caused by a variety of bacterial species.
What type of microbe is meningitis?
Bacterical Meningitis refers to the condition where the meninges, or outer membrane of the brain and spinal cord, are inflamed due to a bacterical infection. As such, it can potentially be caused by a number of different pathogens. However, the most common bacteria involved in the developed world are Streptococcus pnuemoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.Other culprits indentified in bacterical meningitis case have included Listeria monosytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Haemophilus influenzae as well.
Also keep in mind, bacterial meningitis is not an isolated illness, but is often a sign of a systemic bacterial infection - an infection that has spread throughout the entire body. An infection that has progressed to the point on invading the cetral nervous system can result in septicemia and death if the patient does not receive prompt medical attention.
What is a vaccine for bacterial meningitis?
There are vaccines available for certain types of bacterial meningitis, particularly caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Vaccines like MenACWY and PCV13 help protect against these bacteria by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against them. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent bacterial meningitis and its complications.
What are the emotional effects of bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can lead to a range of emotional effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions may arise due to the traumatic experience of dealing with a severe illness, potential long-term effects of the infection on the brain, and the stress of recovery. Seek support from mental health professionals to address these emotional challenges.
What pathogens cause meningitis?
Neisseria meningitidis, a gram negative cocci is one of the most prevalent causes of meningitis. However, you should note that meningitis can be caused by other pathogens which penetrate the brain and cause swelling of the outermost brain layer. This leads to hemorrhaging.
What type of microbe causes meningitis?
Meningitis can be caused by different types of microbes, including bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis), viruses (such as enteroviruses and herpesviruses), fungi (such as Cryptococcus neoformans), and parasites (such as Naegleria fowleri). The specific cause of meningitis can vary depending on the age of the individual, underlying health conditions, and other factors.
What is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis?
The most common cause of neonatal meningitis is group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria. Other causes can include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Listeria monocytogenes.
Can you get bacterial meningitis from a mosquito?
No, bacterial meningitis is not typically transmitted by mosquitoes. Bacterial meningitis is usually spread through respiratory and throat secretions, while mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus.
What gram positive diplococci bacteria causes septic meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a gram-positive diplococci bacteria that can cause septic meningitis in individuals. It is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.
Can viral meningitis cause viral encephalitis?
Yes, viral meningitis can sometimes progress to viral encephalitis. This occurs when the viral infection spreads from the meninges (protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) to the brain itself, causing inflammation and potentially more severe symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms suggest progression to encephalitis.
Where can spinal meningitis be found?
Spinal menigitis are different kinds of bacteria that can be found in your ear ,mouth, throat and nose that sometimes give you spinal menigitis. Scientists still dont know what causes the bacteria to go out of control and enter your spinal cord and messes with the joints.
Meningitis was not discovered by a single individual. The disease has been recognized for centuries, with historical records dating back to the 16th century. Understanding of meningitis has evolved over time through scientific research and medical advancements.
How many people die from Meningitis each year?
Approximately 174,000 people die from meningitis worldwide each year. The number can vary depending on the type of meningitis (bacterial, viral, fungal) and the region. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing deaths from meningitis.
How does meningitis reproduce?
Meningitis is not a living organism and therefore cannot reproduce. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that infect the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These microorganisms can be transmitted through respiratory secretions, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
Can Meningitis make you deaf or blind?
Meningitis can cause hearing loss or visual impairment, but permanent deafness or blindness is rare. Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize the risk of these complications. It's important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect meningitis.
Is viral meningitis or enciphelitis contagious?
Meningitis (viral or bacterial) is infectious and can be highly contagious. Usually anyone in close contact with someone who gets bacterial meningitis will be given antibiotics as well.
What are the differences in symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis?
There is really no difference between the symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis. With both you will have fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. However that being said bacterial comes on suddenly where viral can take a few days.
What causes cerebrospinal meningitis?
It is very rare to get the infection of the meninges, that is meningitis. Here the capillaries have no gap between them. That is called as blood brain barrier. But at times this barrier is broken and the bacteria do enter the meninges. There they multiply to give you bacterial meningitis. The most common bacteria are Menoingococcus, Pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Tuberculous bacteria.
The meninges are divided into how many layers?
Meninges consist of three layers. They are
1. The Dura mater
2. The Arachnoid mater
3. the Pia mater
Should you keep the siblings of a child with meningitis off school?
Yes, they should because the immune system wouldn't be able to fight it off if they are not!
Is the Meningitis Vaccine a live or dead?
The intramuscular vaccine for poliomyelitis is inactived meaning it is not live the oral vaccine, now no longer used, was live. Go to the CDC.gov website to learn more about vaccines
