Introduction

Meningitis refers to a condition where the membranes of the brain and spinal cord become swollen. These delicate membranes are called meninges; therefore meningitis means inflammation of the meninges.

 Key Data & Insights

• Meningitis presents a worldwide public health challenge.
• Causative agents include various micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
• 1 in 6 people with bacterial meningitis succumb to the infection, with 1 in 5 suffering from severe complications.
• Apart from causing life-threatening sepsis, meningitis can permanently cause brain and nerve damage.

 

 Understanding Causes

Bacterial meningitis

•  Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
•  Neisseria meningitidis.
•  Haemophilus influenzae (type B).
•  Listeria monocytogenes.

 

Viral meningitis

•  Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
•  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
•  Mumps virus.
• West Nile virus.
•  Non-polio enteroviruses.

 

Fungal meningitis

• Cryptococcus species
• Hitoplasma species
• Coccidioides
• Blastomyces

 

Parasitic meningitis

• Gnathostoma spinigerum
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis

 

Ameobic meningitis

Naegleria fowleri

 

Non-infectious meningitis

• This kind of meningitis is caused by;

1. Diseases like cancer or lupus.
2. Intake of certain medicines.
3. Brain surgery.

 

Associated Risk Factors

• Age. Bacterial meningitis occurs commonly among persons aged less than 20 years while viral meningitis happens mostly in children aged less than 5 years. Also, adults aged 55 years or older are at risk of meningitis.
• Weak immune system. Medications and conditions that lower the immune system (AIDS) can raise the likelihood of development of meningitis. Also, splenectomy (removal of the spleen) can raise this risk.
• Not receiving vaccinations against the disease.

 

Signs & Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms may be similar to those of flu.

In newborns and infants:

• Constant cries.
• Fever.
• Irritability.
• Vomiting.
• Poor feeding habits.
• Sluggishness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Stiff body.
• Bulge on the soft region of the top of the head.

 

In persons older than age of 2 years:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Seizures.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Skin rash (meningococcal meningitis).

 

 Diagnostic Methods

• Medical history of the patient.
• Physical examination.
• Tests such as:

1.  Blood cultures.
2.  Imaging tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head.
3.  Spinal tap.

 

Management & Treatment Options

Bacterial meningitis

•  Intravenous antibiotics are administered for new-onset bacterial meningitis.
• Corticosteroids are added to lower the risk of developing complications such as seizures.

Viral meningitis

• This resolves spontaneously within a few weeks.
• Mild viral meningitis  can be treated using plenty of fluids, pain relievers and getting adequate rest.

Antifungal meningitis

This can be treated using antifungal medications.

 

 Complications  & Challenges

The consequences of meningitis can be serious.  They include:

• Renal failure.
• Shock.
• Brain damage.
• Vision problems.
• Loss of hearing.
• Seizures.
• Trouble walking.
• Learning difficulties.
• Death.

 

 Strategies for Prevention

• Vaccination. Vaccines  include:

1.  Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
2.  Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine.
3.  Meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
4. Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.

• Other strategies for prevention include:

1. Practicing good hygiene such as regularly washing hands.
2. Embracing healthy practices such as regular exercises and consuming healthy diets.