Meningitis

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges. Meninges are the three membranes ( dura mater , arachnoid mater and pia mater ) that line the vertebral canal and skull and enclose the brain and spinal cordMeninogococcal disease ( MD ) - refers to meningococcal meningitis , meninogocccal septicaemia or a combination of both.

Causes

Bacterial -Neisseria meningitidis Steptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae Streptococcus - GBS and GAS Listeria monocytogens E Coli Salmonella Tuberculosis - Rare but serious -can be fatal in few hrs Often with serious consequences Incidence reduced due to vaccination

Viral -Enteroviruses- this group includes enterovirusescoxsackievirusesechoviruses Measles Influenza Mumps Herpesvirus asEBVHSVVaricella-zoster Arboviruses Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus ( rare ). Most common cause of aseptic meningitis Usually self limiting and with no serious consequences with the exception of viral encephalitis

Others- Fungal e.g Cryptococcus species Parasitic Amebic Non-infectious e.gcertain cancersSLEcertain medicineshead injurybrain surgery

Pathogens- In the UK most common causes of bacterial meningitis in children under 3 or older and adults areNeisseria meningitis ( meningococcal meningitis )Streptococcus pneumoniae ( pneumococcal meningitis )Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib-meningitis )These organisms occur normally in the upper respiratory tract but if the organisms invade the bloodstream it can lead to MD When the...