Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. It is due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.

Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms, it can be chronic that can last more than a month. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor immediately.

What is Bacterial Meningitis?

Acute bacterial meningitis is the typical type of meningitis that is the most common form of meningitis. It can be life-threatening as the infection can cause swelling in the tissues surrounding the brain. This in turn interferes with blood flow and can result in paralysis or even stroke.

Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis

• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• High fever

If you develop the disease, you may also experience:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Confusion
• Rash
• Purple discoloration

Seek medical help if you or your child has the following symptoms:

• Seizures
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty waking from sleep
• A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby’s head
• Inactivity or sluggishness
• Not waking to eat
• Poor feeding

Strains of Bacteria that causes Bacterial Meningitis

1. Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus). It is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, children, and adults in the US.
2. Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). It is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria commonly cause an upper respiratory infection but can cause meningococcal meningitis when they enter the bloodstream. It is a highly contagious infection that affects mainly teenagers and young adults.
3. Haemophilus influenza (Haemophilus). It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Nonetheless, some vaccines reduce the cases of this type of meningitis.
4. Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). The bacteria are typical in unpasteurized cheeses, hot dogs, and lunchmeats. People with a weak immune system are at high risk of the disease.

The Risk Factors of Bacterial Meningitis

Children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years are the most susceptible to bacterial meningitis.

• Adults with alcohol abuse
• Chronic ear and nose infections
• Head injury or pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Weak immune system
• Using corticosteroids due to kidney failure
• Brain or spinal surgery
• Blood infection

How to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis?

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and assess your symptoms and medical history. Spinal tap or lumbar puncture is another diagnostic method that takes fluid from around the spinal cord.

Treatment for Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis is treated with antibiotics. It helps reduce the bacteria that cause infection. Your doctor may also recommend other treatment methods.