Bacterial meningitis

Definition

Bacterial meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. It is caused by bacterial infections and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common bacterial pathogens causing meningitis include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
2. Symptoms often include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and altered mental status.
3. Diagnosis typically involves a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for bacteria.
4. Treatment usually requires prompt administration of intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
5. Vaccines are available for some types of bacterial meningitis, significantly reducing incidence rates.

Review Questions

• What are the main bacterial pathogens that cause bacterial meningitis?
• What diagnostic procedure is commonly used to confirm a case of bacterial meningitis?
• Why is prompt treatment critical in cases of bacterial meningitis?

Related terms

Neisseria meningitidis: A gram-negative bacterium that causes one form of bacterial meningitis.

Lumbar puncture: A medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Clear fluid found in the brain and spinal cord that can be analyzed for infections like bacterial meningitis.