What is the most common cause of meningitis in adults?
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential.
What causes meningitis in older adults?
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a type of bacteria, which causes pneumonia as well as ear and sinus infections. It is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in the elderly. Other strains of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis in the elderly are Neisseria meningitidis and Listeria monocytogenes.
Which of the following causative agents is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis quizlet?
Beyond the newborn period, the most common causes of bacterial meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. All three of these organisms are respiratory pathogens. They are spread from person to person by close contact with respiratory secretions.
Can adults get meningitis?
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
How is meningitis prevented?
Vaccination. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N.
Which of the following causative agents of bacterial meningitis is foodborne?
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can infect the CNS, causing meningitis.
Why is viral meningitis also called aseptic meningitis?
The inflammation can be caused by a bacterial infection know as bacterial meningitis. The condition is called aseptic meningitis when not caused by bacteria. Viruses cause most aseptic meningitis cases, which is why the condition is also known as viral meningitis.
What are signs of meningitis in adults?
Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:
- a high temperature.
- cold hands and feet.
- vomiting.
- confusion.
- breathing quickly.
- muscle and joint pain.
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin.
- spots or a rash.
What does meningitis look like in adults?
In babies and adults, a meningitis rash may look like the following: tiny red, pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks (petechiae) on the skin. purple bruise-like marks. blotchy-appearing areas of skin.
Where is meningitis most prevalent?
Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence of disease found in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, major epidemics occur every 5 to 12 years with attack rates reaching 1,000 cases per 100,000 population.
What makes a person at risk for bacterial meningitis?
Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, medications, and surgical procedures put people at increased risk for meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or not having a spleen can increase a person’s risk for several types of bacterial meningitis.
What happens to the body when you get meningitis?
Most people recover from meningitis. However, permanent disabilities (such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities) can result from the infection. Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include These bacteria can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis.
How does meningitis spread in a group setting?
Group setting: Infectious diseases tend to spread where large groups of people gather. College campuses have reported outbreaks of meningococcal disease, caused by N. meningitidis. Certain medical conditions: There are certain medical conditions, medications, and surgical procedures that put people at increased risk for meningitis.
How to reduce the risk of bacterial meningitis during pregnancy?
Pregnant women can also reduce their risk of meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes. Women should avoid certain foods during pregnancy and safely prepare others. If someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent other people from getting sick. Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for: