Meningitis Research Paper

Meningitis
Reagan Odom
Baptist College of Health Sciences

Abstract
Meningitis is a life threatening infection that can be treated if caught early enough. This paper will summarize the causative organism, how it is transmitted, signs and symptoms, the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and the treatment and prevention for this disease. Keywords: bacterial, fungal, meningitis, viral

Meningitis
Meningitis (2011) describes meningitis as, “a serious inflammation of the meninges, the thin, membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord.” The reason that meningitis is considered to be such a hazardous disease is because it affects the brain, which is composed of permanent cells (Meningitis 2011). This statement means that once the
According to The Mayo Clinic (2013), some viruses that can cause meningitis in the United States are herpes simplex virus, West Nile Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and the mumps. It can also be acquired by the rabies virus as well as through a bite from a disease-ridden mosquito (Meningitis, 2011). According to The Mayo Clinic (2013), viruses cause more cases of meningitis than bacteria. Viral meningitis will typically be seen in single cases rather than in large outbreaks as opposed to specific types of bacterial meningitis (Meningitis, 2014). The symptoms of viral meningitis can be minor, and will typically clear on their own (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). Although they are the least common, fungi can also cause meningitis (The Mayo Clinic 2013). According to The Mayo Clinic (2013), fungal meningitis is not contagious but can be lethal if left untreated. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common form of fungal meningitis (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). This type of meningitis occurs when the organisms enters the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). Other causes of meningitis include: blood entering the meninges, cancer as well as the responses to chemotherapy, and diseases of the immune system (Meningitis,
How meningitis is treated strongly depends on the specific type of meningitis that the person is infected with (Alexander, 2014). For example, bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics and cortisone medications (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). Some of these antibiotics include, erythromycin, ampicillin, and aminoglycosides (Alexander, 2014). Because the blood-brain barrier, which is an organization of cells that prevents toxins in the blood from getting into the brain, is so effective these medications have to be administered directly into the veins of the patient (Meningitis 2011). According to Meningitis (2014), “Bacterial Meningitis calls for emergency medical care and the administration of antibiotics.” Alexander (2014), states that the mortality rate for prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis is below fifteen percent. This fact stresses the importance of prompt treatment. Viral meningitis, however usually cures on it’s own (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). Although viral meningitis usually clears on it’s own; rest, the intake of fluids, and pain reliever can help with some of the symptoms that occur with meningitis (The Mayo Clinic, 2013). According to Meningitis (2011), “Other treatments for meningitis involve decreasing inflammation (with steroid preparations) and paying careful attention to the balance of fluids, glucose, sodium, potassium, oxygen, and carbon