BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord - also called the meninges.  Viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria can cause it.  Viral (aseptic) meningitis is common; most people recover fully.  Medical management of viral meningitis consists of supportive treatment and there is usually no indication for the use of antibiotics.  Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare.  Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and life support management.

There are two common types of bacteria that cause meningitis:
                    *    Strep pneumoniae causes pneumococcal meningitis; there are over 80 subtypes that cause illness.
                    *    Neisseria meningitis - meningococca; meningitis; there are 5 subtypes that cause serious illness - A,B,C,Y

What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill.  The illness may develop over one or two days but can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours.  Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have:

*    Severe headache
*    High temperature
*    Vomiting
*    Sensitivity to bright light
*    Neck stiffness, joint pains
*    Drowsiness or confusion

In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots or bruises caused by bleeding under the skin,  These can occur anywhere on the body.  They are sign of blood poisoning (septicemia), which sometimes happens with meningitis, particularly the meningococcal strain.

How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery.  In some cases it can be fatal or some people may be left with a permanent disability, such as deafness, blindness, amputations or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis) even with prompt treatment.

How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.  The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body.  They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as kissing; sharing drink containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people.  Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months.  Being a carrier helps to stimulate your body's natural defense system.

The bacteria rarely overcome the body's immune system and cause meningitis or other serious illness.

What is the risk of getting bacterial meningitis?

The risk of getting bacterial meningitis in all age groups is about 2.4 cases per 100,000 population per year.  However, the highest risk group for most serious form of the disease, meningococcal meningitis, is among children 2-18 years old.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood.  Spinal fluid obtained by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.  Limit the number of persons you kiss.

Vaccines against pneumococcal disease are recommended both for the young children and adults over 64.  

What you should do if you think or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

Seek prompt medical attention.