1. Bacterial Meningitis
Sophia Block

2. General
 Inflammation of meninges (membranes surrounding the
skull and spinal cord)
 Acute bacteria meningitis most commonly caused by
bacteria entering bloodstream
 Bacteria can directly enter meninges from ear/sinus
infection or skull fracture
 Acute bacteria meningitis infections extremely serious
 May result in death or brain damage even if treated
 Medical emergency

3. Types of Bacterial Meningitis
 Pneumococcal – most common type in US for infants
children and adults. Caused by bacteria streptococcus
pneumoniae which more commonly causes
pneumonia, ear infections, or sinus infections
 Meningococcal - another leading cause of bacterial
meningitis. Caused when upper respiratory infections
enter bloodstream and is highly contagious. Effects
mostly teenagers/young adults especially in dorms
boarding schools military bases. Caused by bacteria
neisseriameningitidis.

4. Types of Bacterial Meningitis
 Haemophilus Influenza type b (Hib) - leading cause of
bacterial meningitis before 1990s in children. New
vaccines make it less common. Caused by bacteria
haemaphilusinfluenzae. Meningitis generally comes
after upper respiratory infection, ear infection, or
sinusitis.
 Listeriosis – caused by bacteria listeriamonocytogenes
which are found almost everywhere. In soft cheese,
hot dogs, and luncheon meats; many animals carry
bacteria. Most healthy people don’t get infected from
this. More susceptible to pregnant women, newborns,
and older adults. People most vulnerable when have
weakened immune system.

5. Symptoms
 Symptoms of meningitis similar to symptoms of flu
 Symptoms start over several hours or over 1/2 days
 Symptoms for people over the age of 2 include:
 High fever
 Severe headache (not easily confused with other type of headache)
 Stiff neck
 Vomiting/nausea with headache
 Confusion/ difficulty concentrating (if very young appear as inability to
maintain eye contact)
 Seizures
 Sleepiness/difficulty waking up
 Sensitivity to light
 Lack of interest in drinking and eating
 Skin rash (in meningococcal)

6. Symptoms
 Symptoms in newborns
 High fever
 Constant crying
 Excessive sleepiness or irritability
 Inactivity or sluggishness
 Poor feeding
 Fontanel (bulge in soft spot on baby’s head)
 Stiffness in body or neck
 Seizures
 Difficult to comfort

7. Risk Factors
 Not completing childhood vaccines
 Median age of diagnosis 25 years
 Living in close quarters (meningococcal)
 Pregnancy (listeriosis)
 Working with animals (listeriosis)
 Compromised immune system (from Aids, spleen removal,
diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs)

8. Treatment
 Intravenous antibiotics
 Cortisone like medications (more recent)
 Doctor may also treat for
 Brain swelling
 Shock
 Convulsions
 Dehydration
 Surgery (to drain fluid between the skull and meninges or
infections)

9. Prevention
 Wash your hands
 Stay healthy
 Cover your mouth
 Take care with food if you are pregnant
 Immunizations