Bacterial Meningitis

A Contagious Disease: Bacterial Meningitis Kelly College

Fundamentals 1 John s, RN BSN 2/23/09

Bacterial Meningitis A Contagious Disease: Bacterial Meningitis

Sometimes referred to as spinal Meningitis, Bacterial Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding a person's spinal cord and also around the brain. This disease could also be caused by a viral infection, however the outcomes and severity of the condition is different for the bacterial strain. While viral meningitis can be cured for easily and with less side effects and permanent damage, bacterial meningitis can prove much more debilitating with side effects such as learning disability, deafness and brain damage. Knowing if a case could be classified as bacterial is important also, because antibiotics can help prevent this contagious disease from being spread to others. Over the past 30 years the bacteria responsible for the disease have changed, and so have the treatments. (National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: Division of Bacterial Disease,2008) Because the cause of this disease is a bacterium, there are risk factors that can cause one to be more susceptible to it. The infecting bacteria first cause an upper respiratory tract infection, and then travel to the brain and spinal cord. So therefore, anyone more likely to get sick is at more at risk to get Meningitis. Anyone with a low immune system is at more risk, such as infants and the elderly over age 60. A person who may be in regular contact with someone suffering from meningitis is at an increased risk. People who have compromised immune systems due to diseases such as HIV are also at risk. Living in close quarters to someone such as in college dormitories or military housing.(McCoy, 2008) The cause of this disease boils down to a strain of one of the bacterium infecting someone, causing a Respiratory Tract Infection, which going into the bloodstream and later travels to the meninges (which is the soft tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord) The responsible bacteria has changed over the years, due most likely to changing vaccines.Haemophilus influenzae type b used to be the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, now that has been overcome by more common cases if Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitides.As of 2008, those were the two leading causes of Bacterial Meningitis. (National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: Division of Bacterial Disease,2008)

Bacterial Meningitis

Once someone is infected with the bacterium that causes meningitis, several things happen in the body.The Bacteria travels the bloodstream until it eventually reaches the subarachnoid space. This causes an infection in the meningeswhich is the membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord. Some potential complications of bacterial meningitis include hydrocephalus (water on the brain), brain damage, blindness, deafness, seizures, paralysis, kidney failure, cardiac arrest, as well as numerous other neurologic disorders.Meningitis can also be passed to a child through the placenta. Bacterial Meningitis is rare. It is believed to affect 3 to 10 cases out of every 100,000 individuals. The number rises among infants to 0.15 cases per 1,000 healthy, full-term births and around 2.5 cases per 1,000 premature births. Looking for signs and symptoms is important, because survival without serious side effects depends on the speed of treatment. Signs and Symptoms may include high fever, vomiting and nausea, pressure of the optic nerve, confusion, profuse sweating, nonreactive pupils, seizures, comas, severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, rashes, rigors, rapid breathing, seizures, and coma. These signs differ for infants and may be shrill crying, a protruding soft spot, poor feeding or jaundice (Buckley, Matteucci & Pravikoff, 2008) g

Diagnosing someone who is believed to have Meningitis will consist of a history, questionnaire and some invasive tests. Spinal taps can be done to test spinal fluid for the suspected bacteria.An MRI scan is done to get an image of structures within the body. This could be done to eliminate the chance that there is something else, such as a tumor. Finally, a CT scan may be done. A CT scan is a type of x-ray that allows a look inside the body, similar to an MRI. Following a definite diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis, immediate care is crucial. If treated quickly and correctly, More than 90% of all people with bacterialmeningitis survive. There are different methods involved in treating meningitis. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are often given in junction with one another. . Fluids may also be given, if there is significant fluid lossAntibiotics may be given through an IV as soon as meningitis is suspected. Antibiotics may be changed once the specific strain of meningitis is identified. This requires most patients to remain until tests of their cerebrospinal fluid come back completely clear. Corticosteroids are also given early on, and through an IV. They help in controlling unnecessary brain pressure and swelling. On top of the medications given to help with disease other things may be given

Bacterial Meningitis

to help deal with the symptoms. They include pain relievers and anticonvulsants. (McCoy, 2008) Despite it being a generally rare disease, there are vaccines and preventative measures one can take to protect themselves.Currently, there are vaccines against many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae Hib, and some types of N. meningitidis. There are two vaccines against N. meningitidis that have been approved by the FDA. These have been available for over 20 years. The Meningococcal conjugate vaccine was only licensed in 2005. These both can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, which include 2 of the 3 most common strains in the United States. Just like any other vaccine, Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease. Cases of the disease should be reported locally so outbreaks can be identified.The Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children at a routine visit around 12 years old. If one was not given, it is then recommended before entering High School. College freshmen living in dormitories, US military personnel and microbiologists are also suggested to have it. If you fall into one of the higher-risk categories it can also be considered. These include people with autoimmune disorders, children 2-10 years old and adults over 55. Even though the rate of this disease is rare in the U.S, the occurrence can be much higher overseas. Before traveling to another country, it is a good idea to check the health warnings for your destination.(National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: Division of Bacterial Disease,2008)

As you can see, just like mostdiseases, Bacterial Meningitis is rare-- but requires quick diagnosis and treatment to prevent it from becoming deadly. Of the two types, viral and bacterial, bacterial is far more damaging the body. Knowing risk factors, signs and symptoms as well as what treatments are available can make a huge difference in the ability to protect themselves from infection. This not only applies to health facilities, but out in the everyday world.

Bacterial Meningitis References

Buckley, L., Matteucci, R., & Pravikoff, D. (2008, October 20). Meningitis, Bacterial. CINAHL Nursing Guide. Retrieved February 22, 2009, from Nursing Reference Center database. (5000000475)

McCoy, K., MS. (2008, January 1). Bacterial Meningitis: Spinal Meningitis. Conditions & Procedures InBrief. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from Consumer Health Complete database. (HL12024)

National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: Division of Bacterial Disease. (2008, May 28). Meningococcal Disease. In The Center for Disease Control [Frequently Asked Questions]. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm