Bacterial Meningitis Essay

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Bacterial Meningitis Abstract Acute bacterial meningitis is a rare but serious disease causing an inflammation of the meninges which could lead to death or long-term complications upon recovery. There are three main causative agents of bacterial meningitis: Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Due to new vaccines, today, the two major causes of bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitides. Introduction Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is an infection of the cerebrospinal fluid which causes inflammation of the meninges; the lining of the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses; however, bacterial meningitis is rarer and more severe than viral meningitis [4]. The first case of meningococcal meningitis was described in Geneva, Switzerland in 1805. Later, in 1887, it was identified and confirmed that the causative agent was Neisseria meningitides [1]. Discussion Bacterial meningitis is very contagious and is commonly spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing of eating and drinking utensils [1, 7]. About 175,000 cases of bacterial meningitis occur each year in the United States [3]. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis range from stiff neck, headaches, and high fever, purple color rashes to pneumonia and throat swelling [1, 7]. Physical tests looking for positive physical signs of pain and resistance in the hips and knees can also indicate bacterial meningitis infection. Besides the physical indications of bacterial meningitis, samples of blood, urine, respiratory secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) must be collected to confirm the presumptive diagnosis [5]. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan should be given to eliminate possible diagnosis for cerebral hematoma, hemorrhage, or tumor.

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