Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection that affects meninges, membrane coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Due to Bacterial meningitis’ close proximity to the brain and spinal cord it is potentially life threatening. If not treated promptly it may lead to life-long complications such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits. Bacterial meningitis is contagious and prolonged close contact can spread the bacteria that cause meningitis. The bacteria can spread from person to person be the means of bodily fluids. In many instances, bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria get into the bloodstream from the sinuses, ears, or other part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream …show more content…
The meninges may also directly be invaded by bacteria, as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection, or a skull fracture, or after some surgeries.
Most common strains of bacteria that may causes bacterial meninigits:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. There is a vaccine to help reduce the occurrence of this infection.
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). This bacterium is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. When bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter your bloodstream meningococcal meningitis may occur. This is a highly contagious infection. It affects mainly teenagers and young adults. Some local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and military bases have been related to this virus. There is a vaccine to help reduce the occurrence of this infection.
Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). The leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children used to be Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium. However, new Hib vaccines have greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis. These vaccines are now available as part of the routine childhood
Meningitis is an infection that affects meninges, membrane coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Due to Bacterial meningitis’ close proximity to the brain and spinal cord it is potentially life threatening. If not treated promptly it may lead to life-long complications such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits. Bacterial meningitis is contagious and prolonged close contact can spread the bacteria that cause meningitis. The bacteria can spread from person to person be the means of bodily fluids. In many instances, bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria get into the bloodstream from the sinuses, ears, or other part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream …show more content…
The meninges may also directly be invaded by bacteria, as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection, or a skull fracture, or after some surgeries.
Most common strains of bacteria that may causes bacterial meninigits:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. There is a vaccine to help reduce the occurrence of this infection.
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). This bacterium is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. When bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter your bloodstream meningococcal meningitis may occur. This is a highly contagious infection. It affects mainly teenagers and young adults. Some local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and military bases have been related to this virus. There is a vaccine to help reduce the occurrence of this infection.
Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). The leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children used to be Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium. However, new Hib vaccines have greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis. These vaccines are now available as part of the routine childhood