What is the pathophysiology of meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is characterized by the entry of bacteria into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bacterial growth in this compartment leading to inflammation within the CSF and the adjacent brain tissue.
What are the complication of meningitis?
Main complications hearing loss, which may be partial or total – people who have had meningitis will usually have a hearing test after a few weeks to check for any problems. recurrent seizures (epilepsy) problems with memory and concentration. co-ordination, movement and balance problems.
How does an infant get meningitis?
Your baby can get meningitis when bacteria, viruses, or a fungus infecting another part of their body travels in the bloodstream to their brain and spinal cord. Out of 1,000 live births, about 0.1 to 0.4 neonates (a baby less than 28 days old) get meningitis, estimates a 2017 review.
What is the treatment for meningitis in babies?
Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics that are typically given intravenously in the hospital through an IV. According to the AAP, most babies who receive prompt antibiotic treatment will recover completely.
What is pediatric meningitis?
Key points about meningitis in children Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. It is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis.
Can babies be born with meningitis?
GBS is the biggest cause of neonatal meningitis (meningitis in newborn babies) in the UK and Ireland, and can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) and pneumonia.
What is the most common cause of meningitis in infants?
Several strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis, most commonly: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the United States. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections.
What are the signs of meningitis in a child?
The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. Red ticks show symptoms more specific to meningitis and septicaemia and less common in milder illnesses.
Are babies vaccinated against meningitis?
Meningitis vaccines are routinely given to babies from the age of 2 months onwards. Young children have less developed immune systems than older age groups which means that they are at increased risk. Vaccination is a safe way to develop protection against some common causes of disease.