The brain has a covering called the meninges. Inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis.

Three types of meningitis,

Pyogenic Meningitis,commonly called bacterial meningitis, is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This condition is characterized by inflammation of these membranes, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.

Tubercular Meningitis,or TB meningitis, is a specific type of bacterial meningitis caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same organism responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This condition occurs when the bacteria spread to the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Viral Meningitis: Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection. It is the most common type of meningitis and is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis. While it can still lead to significant health issues, viral meningitis is often less life-threatening and tends to resolve independently without aggressive treatment.

Identifying common symptoms of meningitis

For adults and children: Fever, Headache, Stiff neck, Vomiting.

Meningitis is a severe infection that can affect people of all ages, from newborns to older adults. Common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. Symptoms may vary in infants and young children, including irritability, poor feeding, and swelling in the soft spot on the top of the head. Viral meningitis is more common in children and can be treated with rest and supportive care. Bacterial meningitis can quickly become fatal within a few days without antibiotic treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone in your family experiences any of the above symptoms. Vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal meningitis.

Complication:Hydrocephalus. • Paralysis of cortical nerves. • Loss of mental balance. • Cerebral palsy.

Examination and Diagnosis of Meningitis

Investigation

In adults, examination reveals Neck rigidity: Kernick sign (+) and Brodzinski sign (+)

In the case of children aged 1 month-1 year: • The child cries loudly, is irritable or has a bad temper, vomits, has seizures, and sometimes only has a limp. Examination reveals a stiff neck. • Kernick sign (+) Brodzin’s sign (+) vel • Bulging frontal bar.

In the case of a baby aged 0-28 days: • The baby usually becomes curled up. • Cannot eat. • Crying all the time. • Convulsions. • Breathing is irregular. Examination reveals- • Frontal swelling. • Weight does not increase at the expected rate.

High-risk groups for meningitis

High-risk groups for meningitis include toddlers, children under the age of 5, infants, older adults, and certain age groups in specific environments, such as college students, military recruits, and travelers to sub-Saharan Africa. Risk factors for meningitis include not getting vaccinations, age, living in close quarters such as overcrowded households or military training facilities, smoking, and travel to areas with a high risk of meningitis. Pregnancy also increases the risk of an infection caused by listeria bacteria. Adults over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of certain types of meningitis, and some countries recommend immunizations to protect this age group.

Scientists who work with the meningococcus bacterium in a lab and first-year college students living in dorms or residence halls are also considered high risk for meningococcal disease. Proof of up-to-date meningitis vaccination is often required for going to school, entering military service, and in some travel situations.

Clinical features of meningitis

This article discusses the clinical features and diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis in adults.

The article highlights the similarities and differences in clinical symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile, and neurologic complications between bacterial meningitis and other forms of purulent bacterial meningitis. The article also discusses prognostic factors, such as age, coma duration, and Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge, which can help predict outcomes in patients with acute bacterial meningitis.

Additionally, the article provides an overview of viral meningitis and compares clinical features associated with enterovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections in immunocompetent adults.

Infection control of meningitis

Infection control for meningitis is crucial due to the serious nature of the disease and its potential for rapid transmission, particularly in cases of bacterial meningitis. Here are the key aspects of infection control.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as:

Antibiotics are usually given for 7-10 days or up to 14 days.

Public health of meningitis

Meningitis is a severe infection that can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and adults. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves if not treated quickly. Vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Meningitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections and requires emergency medical attention. Public health strategies include vaccination campaigns and surveillance programs to monitor outbreaks and track the spread of antibiotic-resistant Neisseria meningitidis strains.

Summary

More than 1.2 million people worldwide are infected with Bacterial Meningitis every year.