Bacterial Meningitis
En Español (Spanish Version)The brain and spinal cord are encased by layers of tissue. These layers are called the meninges. Certain bacteria can cause an infection in these layers. This is called bacterial meningitis.
It is a serious infection that can cause death within hours. A quick diagnosis and treatment is vital.
Bacterial Meningitis
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Worldwide, three types of bacteria cause the majority of cases of acute bacterial meningitis:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
(the bacteria that causes
pneumonia
)
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Haemophilus influenzae b
(Hib)
- In the US, widespread immunization has almost eliminated meningitis due to Hib
Other forms of bacterial meningitis include:
- Listeria monocytogenes
meningitis
- Escherichia coli
meningitis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
meningitis
-
Group B
Streptococcus
meningitis
Newborn babies and the elderly are more prone to get sick.
Some forms are spread by direct contact with fluid from the mouth or throat of an infected person. This can happen during a kiss or by sharing eating utensils. In general, meningitis is not spread by casual contact.
If you have any of these risk factors for meningitis, tell your doctor:
- Age: infancy and early childhood; over 60 years of age
-
People in close and prolonged contact with patients with meningitis due to Hib or
Neisseria meningitidis
-
A weakened immune system due to
HIV
infection or other conditions
- Alcoholism
-
Smoking (for meningitis due to
Neisseria meningitidis
)
and being exposed to second-hand smoke
-
Living in proximity to others, such as dormitories and military barracks (for meningitis due to
Neisseria meningitidis
)
Classic symptoms can develop over several hours, or may take 1 to 2 days:
- High fever
- Headache
- Very stiff, sore neck
Other symptoms may include:
- Red or purple skin rash
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to bright lights)
- Sleepiness
- Mental confusion
In newborns and infants, symptoms are hard to see. As a result infants under three months old with a fever are often checked for meningitis. Symptoms in newborns and infants may include:
- Inactivity
- Unexplained high fever or any form of temperature instability, including a low body temperature
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
(yellow color to the skin)
- Feeding poorly or refusing to eat
- Tautness or bulging of soft spots between skull bones
- Difficulty awakening
As the illness progresses, seizures and/or
hearing loss
can occur.
This can happen to patients of all ages.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
- Spinal tap
—removal of a small amount of
cerebrospinal fluid
to check for bacteria
- Other cultures—testing of samples of blood, urine, mucous, and/or pus from skin infections
- MRI scan
—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body (to be sure the inflammation is not from some other cause, such as a tumor)
- CT scan
—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
More than 90% of all people with this infection survive with immediate care including:
- Antibiotics and corticosteroids—often given together
- Fluids may also be given
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Antibiotics are given through an IV directly into a vein. This is started as soon as the infection is suspected. The antibiotics may be changed once tests name the exact bacterial cause. Patients usually stay in the hospital until fever has fallen. The fluid around the spine and the brain must also be clear of infection.
These are usually given by IV early in treatment. They control brain pressure and swelling. They also reduce the body’s production of inflammatory substances. This treatment can prevent further damage.
Fluids can be lost due to fever, sweating, or vomiting. They may be replaced through an IV. It will be done carefully to avoid complications of fluid overloading.
- Pain medications and sedatives may be used
- Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to prevent seizures
To help reduce your chances of getting bacterial meningitis, consider the following steps:
-
Talk to the doctor to find out which vaccines you and your child needs. Examples include:
- If you are a healthcare worker or have close contact with someone who's infected, take preventative antibiotics.
-
Buy pasteurized milk and milk products. This can prevent meningitis due to
Listeria monocytogenes
.
- If you are pregnant, your doctor will monitor you to make sure the infection is not passed to your baby.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Meningitis Foundation of American
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada
Beers MH, Berkow R.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
. 17th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons;1999.
10/2/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for revaccination of persons at prolonged increased risk for meningococcal disease.
MMWR.
2009;58(37):1042-1043. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5837a4.htm
.
Published September 25, 2009. Accessed October 2, 2009.
4/22/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
: Lee CC, Middaugh NA, Howie SR, Ezzati M.
Association of secondhand smoke exposure with pediatric invasive bacterial disease and bacterial carriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PLoS Med.
2010;7(12).
Last Reviewed September 2011