Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access

Clinical Features and Management of Meningitis

Karthik Nagothi^{* *}Correspondence: Karthik Nagothi, Department of Infectious Disease, Utkal University, Odisha, India, Email:

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Description

Meningitis is a condition in which we observe the inflammation of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meninges are mainly composed of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid around the meninges gets infected. The meningitis was mainly caused by viral and bacterial infections. There are five types of meningitis: viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis, fungal meningitis, parasitic meningitis, and non-infectious meningitis.

There are several strains of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis, like streptococcus pneumonia, which is a common cause of meningitis in infants and children, and it also leads to pneumonia and sinus infection. It causes symptoms like high fever, a rash on the skin, sensitivity to light, headaches, and a painful, stiff neck with limited range of motion. Non-polio enteroviruses are the main common viruses that cause viral meningitis. People who are infected with the enteroviruses will develop viral meningitis. This condition is also known as aseptic meningitis and causes symptoms like sensitivity to light, headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Bacterial meningitis is more hazardous than viral meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis causes the swelling of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. About 80 per cent of cases are acute bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is mainly transmitted from person to person by direct and indirect contact like coughing up droplets, contact with faeces, sneezing, and saliva, kissing, or eating contaminated food. Bacterial meningitis cannot be transmitted by the airborne route, but bacteria can be transmitted by cough and droplets. Fungal meningitis mainly affects the people who have weak immunity system. Parasitic meningitis is a rare type of meningitis it is also known as eosinophilic meningitis. Non-infectious meningitis is an inflammation which was caused by drugs, vaccines and some non-infectious diseases.

Management

Blood cultures, imaging, spinal taps, and CSF analysis were used to diagnose meningitis. Antibiotics can't treat viral meningitis. People who are affected by viral meningitis need to drink plenty of fluids, get bed rest, and use pain relievers that help to reduce fever and relieve body aches. In the case of bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Penicillin is the commonly used drug for the management or treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The most commonly suggested antimicrobials for use in eradicating meningococci include rifampin, quinolones, and ceftriaxone. In most cases of bacterial meningitis, a broad spectrum cephalosporin (cefotaxime or ceftriaxone) is the most suitable observed medication for children over 3 months old. These can also cure Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza. Antibiotics such as Vancomycin Plus, Ampicillin Plus, and Ceftriaxone are commonly used to treat meningitis in people over the age of 50. By using steroids, it can change hormone effects and reduce inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are some preventive measures for meningitis. Practice good hygiene. Don't share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms, or toothbrushes with affected people. Wash your hands thoroughly. Hand-washing helps reduce the spread of germs. Taking the vaccine is the best defence against bacterial meningitis. There are two brands of meningococcal vaccines available. Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines and meningococcal conjugate vaccines Vaccines are highly recommended for children in the age group of 11–13 years. Present days the CT scans and MRI scans of your head to detect inflammation or swelling.