A BActerial Infection Of Blood Poisoning In The Meninges
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BY JAY DOMANTAY
JAY DOMANTAY
ANATOMY 151
HERBERT
MAY 11, 2009
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS A bacterial infection of blood poisoning in the meninges called bacterial meningitis affects toddlers, adolescents and young adults. The infection strikes nearly 3,000 Americans each year, and 10 to 12% of those infected will die. Among those who survive, approximately 20 % live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or loss of limbs.(“Prevention of Meningococcal Disease: Recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.” www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm, January 2009). Meningitis is an inflammation of membranes(meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid lining the brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection and germs. People sometimes refer to this as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis(caused by a virus) is less serious and is cured without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis(caused by bacteria) which is more serious because there are so many types of bacteria. It is important to know the strain of bacteria that is causing the meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting others. The disease is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with infected persons. The bacteria attaches to the mucosal lining of the nose and throat where they can multiply. When the bacteria penetrates the mucosal lining and enter the bloodstream, they travel rapidly throughout the body and can cause damage to many organs. Pus builds up in the subarachnoid space, ceases cerebrospinal fluid flow thus causing hydrocephalus. The bacteria cannot live outside the body for very long, so the bacteria is not as easily transmitted as a cold virus. Meningitis is often misdiagnosed as something less serious because early symptoms are similar to the flu. The disease occurs most
JAY DOMANTAY
ANATOMY 151
HERBERT
MAY 11, 2009
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS A bacterial infection of blood poisoning in the meninges called bacterial meningitis affects toddlers, adolescents and young adults. The infection strikes nearly 3,000 Americans each year, and 10 to 12% of those infected will die. Among those who survive, approximately 20 % live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or loss of limbs.(“Prevention of Meningococcal Disease: Recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.” www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm, January 2009). Meningitis is an inflammation of membranes(meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid lining the brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection and germs. People sometimes refer to this as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis(caused by a virus) is less serious and is cured without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis(caused by bacteria) which is more serious because there are so many types of bacteria. It is important to know the strain of bacteria that is causing the meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting others. The disease is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with infected persons. The bacteria attaches to the mucosal lining of the nose and throat where they can multiply. When the bacteria penetrates the mucosal lining and enter the bloodstream, they travel rapidly throughout the body and can cause damage to many organs. Pus builds up in the subarachnoid space, ceases cerebrospinal fluid flow thus causing hydrocephalus. The bacteria cannot live outside the body for very long, so the bacteria is not as easily transmitted as a cold virus. Meningitis is often misdiagnosed as something less serious because early symptoms are similar to the flu. The disease occurs most
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