Acute inflammation of meningeal membranes, due to viral, bacterial (including Lyme spirochetes), or other organisms. Bacterial: use Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Influenza Haemophilus Type B, and see Listeriose, and Leptospirosis. Viral: use Echo, Coxsackie, and Meningococcus programs.BrainEncyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis, aseptic - Coxsackie A and B (Picornavirus: Enterovirus), Echovirus (Picornavirus: Enterovirus), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (Arenavirus), HSV-2 (Herpesvirus), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Acid-fast)Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis, bacterial - Neisseria meningitidis (G- cocci), Haemophilus influenzae (G- rod: facultative-straight: respiratory pathogens), Listeria monocytogenes (G+ rod: non-sporulating: non-filamentous), Streptoccoccus pneumoniae (G+ cocci), Group B streptococcus (G+ cocci)Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - cryptococcal. In most cases, CM is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is found in soil around the world. Cryptococcus gattii can also cause meningitis. CM most often affects people with a weakened immune system, including people with: AIDS Cirrhosis (a type of liver disease) Diabetes Leukemia Lymphoma Sarcoidosis An organ transplant It is rare in people who have a normal immune system and no long-term health problems.This form of meningitis starts slowly, over a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms may include: Fever Hallucinations Headache Mental status change (confusion) Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Stiff neck.Your health care provider will examine you. You will likely have a: Fast heart rate Fever Mental status change Stiff neck A lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) is used to diagnose meningitis. In this test, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is removed from your spine and tested. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray Cryptococcal antigen in CSF or blood, to look for antibodies CSF examination for cell count, glucose, and protein CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF.Antifungal medicines are used to treat this form of meningitis. Intravenous (IV, through a vein) therapy with amphotericin B is the most common treatment. It is often combined with an oral antifungal medicine called 5-flucytosine. Another oral drug, fluconazole, in high doses may also be effective. If needed, it will be prescribed later.People who recover from CM need long-term medicine to prevent the infection from coming back. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, will also need long-term treatment to improve their immune system.These complications may occur from this infection: Brain damage Hearing loss Hydrocephalus (excessive CSF in the brain) Seizures Amphotericin B can have side effects such as: Nausea and vomiting Fever and chills Joint and muscles aches Kidney damage.Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness. Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has these symptoms: Feeding difficulties High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent, unexplained fever.Cryptococcal meningitis.Central nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.Kauffman CA. Cryptococcosis.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - gram-negative. Acute bacterial meningitis can be caused by different Gram-negative bacteria including meningococcal and H influenzae. This article covers Gram-negative meningitis caused by the following bacteria: Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marsescens Gram-negative meningitis is more common in infants than adults. But it can also occur in adults, especially those with one or more risk factors. Risk factors in adults and children include: Infection Recent brain surgery Recent injury to the head Spinal abnormalities Spinal fluid shunt placement after brain surgery Urinary tract abnormalities Urinary tract infection Weakened immune system.Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck (meningismus) Symptoms of a bladder, kidney, intestine, or lung infection Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in infants Decreased consciousness Poor feeding or irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards ( opisthotonos ).The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and possible exposure to someone who might have the same symptoms, such as a stiff neck and fever. If the provider thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) will likely be done to remove a sample of spinal fluid for testing. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains.Antibiotics will be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefepime are the most commonly used antibiotics for this type of meningitis. Other antibiotics may be given, depending on the type of bacteria. If you have a spinal shunt, it may be removed.The earlier treatment is started, the better the outcome. Many people recover completely. But, many people have permanent brain damage or die of this type of meningitis. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk for death. How well you do depends on: Your age How soon treatment is started Your overall health.Long-term complications may include: Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling ( hydrocephalus ) Hearing loss Seizures.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding problems High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.Prompt treatment of related infections may reduce the risk of meningitis.Gram-negative meningitis.Central nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system CSF cell count CSF cell count.Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - H. influenzae. H. influenzae meningitis is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. This illness is not the same as the flu ( influenza ), which is caused by a virus. Before the Hib vaccine, H. influenzae was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under age 5. Since the vaccine became available in the United States, this type of meningitis occurs much less often in children. H. influenzae meningitis may occur after an upper respiratory infection. The infection usually spreads from the lungs and airways to the blood, then the brain area. Risk factors include: Attending day care Cancer Ear infection ( otitis media ) with H. influenzae infection Family member with an H. influenzae infection Native American race Pregnancy Older age Sinus infection ( sinusitis ) Sore throat ( pharyngitis ) Upper respiratory infection Weakened immune system.Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck (meningismus) Other symptoms that can occur include: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in infants Decreased consciousness Poor feeding and irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards.The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and possible exposure to someone who might have the same symptoms, such as a stiff neck and fever. If the doctor thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) is done to take a sample of spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) for testing. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF.Antibiotics will be given as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. Ampicillin may sometimes be used. Corticosteroids may be used to fight inflammation, especially in children. Unvaccinated people who are in close contact with someone who has H. influenzae meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include: Household members Roommates in dormitories Those who come into close contact with an infected person.This is a dangerous infection and it can be deadly. The sooner it is treated, the better the chance for recovery. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk for death.Long-term complications may include: Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling ( hydrocephalus ) Hearing loss Seizures.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding problems High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent, unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.Infants and young children can be protected with the Hib vaccine. Close contacts in the same household, school, or day care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the first person is diagnosed. All unvaccinated family members and close contacts of this person should begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your provider about antibiotics during the first visit. Always use good hygiene habits, such as washing hands before and after changing a diaper, and after using the bathroom.H. influenzae meningitis; H. flu meningitis; Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis.Haemophilus influenza organism Haemophilus influenza organism Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system CSF cell count CSF cell count.Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - meningococcal. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus). Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and teens. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adults. The infection occurs more often in winter or spring. It may cause local epidemics at boarding schools, college dormitories, or military bases. Risk factors include recent exposure to someone with meningococcal meningitis and a recent upper respiratory infection.Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Purple, bruise-like areas ( purpura ) Rash , pinpoint red spots ( petechiae ) Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in infants Decreased consciousness Poor feeding or irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture with the head and neck arched backwards ( opisthotonus ).The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and possible exposure to someone who might have the same symptoms, such as a stiff neck and fever. If the provider thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) will likely be done to remove a sample of spinal fluid for testing. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head White blood cell (WBC) count Gram stain, other special stains.Antibiotics will be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. Penicillin in high doses is almost always effective. If there is an allergy to penicillin, chloramphenicol may be used. Sometimes, corticosteroids are given to children. People in close contact with someone who has meningococcal meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include: Household members Roommates in dormitories Those who come into close and long-term contact with an infected person.Early treatment improves the outcome. Death is possible. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk of death.Long-term complications may include: Brain damage Hearing loss Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling) Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Inflammation of the heart muscle ( myocarditis ) Seizures.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding difficulties High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.Close contacts in the same household, school, or day care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the first person is diagnosed. All family and close contacts of this person should begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your provider about this during the first visit. Always use good hygiene habits, such as washing hands before and after changing a diaper or after using the bathroom. Vaccines for meningococcus are effective for controlling spread. They are currently recommended for: Adolescents College students in their first year living in dormitories Military recruits Travelers to certain parts of the world.Meningococcal meningitis; Gram negative - meningococcus.Meningococcal lesions on the back Meningococcal lesions on the back Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system CSF cell count CSF cell count.Pollard AJ, Sadarangani M. Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus).Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - pneumococcal. Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (also called pneumococcus, or S pneumoniae ). This type of bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults. It is the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than age 2. Risk factors include: Alcohol use Diabetes History of meningitis Infection of a heart valve with S pneumoniae Injury or trauma to the head Meningitis in which there is leakage of spinal fluid Recent ear infection with S pneumoniae Recent pneumonia with S pneumoniae Recent upper respiratory infection Spleen removal or a spleen that does not function.Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in infants Decreased consciousness Poor feeding or irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards ( opisthotonos ) Pneumococcal meningitis is an important cause of fever in infants.The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and possible exposure to someone who might have the same symptoms, such as a stiff neck and fever. If the provider thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) will likely be done to remove a sample of spinal fluid for testing. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains.Antibiotics will be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. If the antibiotic is not working and the provider suspects antibiotic resistance, vancomycin or rifampin are used. Sometimes, corticosteroids are used, especially in children.This is a dangerous infection and it can be deadly. The sooner it is treated, the better the chance for recovery. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk for death.Long-term complications may include: Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling ( hydrocephalus ) Hearing loss Seizures.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding problems High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.Early treatment of pneumonia and ear infections caused by pneumococcus may decrease the risk of meningitis. There are also two effective vaccines available to prevent pneumococcus infection. The following people should be vaccinated, according to current recommendations: Children Adults age 65 and older People at high risk for pneumococcus infection.Pneumococcal meningitis; Pneumococcus - meningitis.Pneumococci organism Pneumococci organism Pneumococcal pneumonia Pneumococcal pneumonia.Tunkel AR, Van de Beek D, Scheld WM. Acute meningitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - staphylococcal. Staphylococcal meningitis is caused by staphylococcus bacteria. When it is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, it usually develops as a complication of surgery or as an infection that spreads through the blood from another site. Risk factors include: Infections of heart valves Past infection of the brain Past meningitis due to spinal fluid shunts Recent brain surgery Spinal fluid shunt Trauma.Symptoms may come on quickly, and include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in infants Decreased alertness Poor feeding or irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards ( opisthotonos ).The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and risk factors. If the doctor thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) is done to remove a sample of spinal fluid for testing. If you have a spinal fluid shunt, the sample may be taken from this instead. Tests may include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF.Antibiotics will be started as soon as possible. Vancomycin is the first choice for suspected staphylococcal meningitis. Nafcillin is sometimes used instead. Often, treatment will include a search for, and removal of, possible sources of bacteria in the body. These include shunts or artificial heart valves.Early treatment improves the outcome. However, some people do not survive. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk for death. Staphylococcal meningitis often improves more quickly, with fewer complications, if the source of the infection is removed. The source may include shunts, hardware in joints, or artificial heart valves.Long-term complications may include: Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling ( hydrocephalus ) Hearing loss Seizures Staph infection in another area of the body.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding problems High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent, unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.In high-risk people, taking preventive antibiotics before diagnostic or surgical procedures may help reduce the risk. Discuss this with your doctor.Staphylococcal meningitis.Central nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis - tuberculous. Tuberculous meningitis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis ( TB ). The bacteria spread to the brain and spine from another place in the body, usually the lung. Tuberculous meningitis is very rare in the United States. Most cases are people who traveled to the United States from other countries where TB is common. People who have the following have a higher chance of developing tuberculous meningitis: HIV/AIDS Drink alcohol in excess TB of the lung Weakened immune system.The symptoms often start slowly, and may include: Fever and chills Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Severe headache Stiff neck (meningismus) Other symptoms that can occur with this disease may include: Agitation Bulging fontanelles (soft spots) in babies Decreased consciousness Poor feeding or irritability in children Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backward ( opisthotonos ). This is usually found in infants. .The health care provider will examine you. This will usually show that you have the following: Fast heart rate Fever Mental status changes Stiff neck A lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) is an important test in diagnosing meningitis. It is done to collect a sample of spinal fluid for examination. More than one sample may be needed to make the diagnosis. Other tests that may be done include: Biopsy of the brain or meninges Blood culture Chest x-ray CSF examination for cell count, glucose, and protein CT scan of the head Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of CSF Skin test for TB ( PPD ) Other tests to look for TB.You will be given several medicines to fight the TB bacteria. Sometimes, treatment is started even if your provider thinks you have the disease, but testing has not confirmed it yet. Treatment usually lasts for at least 12 months. Medicines called corticosteroids may also be used.Tuberculous meningitis is life threatening if untreated. Long-term follow-up is needed to detect repeated infections (recurrences).Untreated, the disease can cause any of the following: Brain damage Build-up of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Hearing loss Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling) Seizures.Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms: Feeding problems High-pitched cry Irritability Persistent unexplained fever Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.Treating people who have signs of a non-active (dormant) TB infection can prevent its spread. A PPD test and other TB tests can be done to tell if you have this type of infection. Some countries with a high incidence of TB give people a vaccine called BCG to prevent TB. But, the effectiveness of this vaccine is limited, and it is not usually used in the United States. The BCG vaccine may help prevent severe forms of TB, such as meningitis, in very young children who live in areas where the disease is common.Tubercular meningitis; TB meningitis.Central nervous system Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.Anderson NC, Koshy AA, Roos KL. Bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases of the nervous system.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis. The most common causes of meningitis are viral infections. These infections usually get better without treatment. But, bacterial meningitis infections are very serious. They may result in death or brain damage, even if treated. Meningitis may also be caused by: Chemical irritation Drug allergies Fungi Parasites Tumors Many types of viruses can cause meningitis: Enteroviruses: These are viruses that also can cause intestinal illness. Herpes viruses: These are the same viruses that can cause cold sores and genital herpes. However, people with cold sores or genital herpes do not have a higher chance of developing herpes meningitis. Mumps and HIV viruses can cause aseptic meningitis. West Nile virus : This virus is spread by mosquito bites and has become a cause of viral meningitis in most of the United States.Viral meningitis occurs more often than bacterial meningitis, and is milder. It usually occurs in the late summer and early fall. It most often affects children and adults under age 30. Symptoms may include: Headache Sensitivity to light ( photophobia ) Slight fever Fatigue Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. You will need immediate treatment in a hospital. Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include: Fever and chills, especially in newborns and children Mental status changes Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Severe headache Stiff neck Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation Bulging fontanelles in babies Decreased alertness Poor feeding or irritability in children Rapid breathing Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backward ( opisthotonos ) You cannot tell if you have bacterial or viral meningitis by how you feel. Your health care provider must find out the cause. Go to the hospital emergency department right away if you think you have symptoms of meningitis.Your provider will examine you. This may show: Fast heart rate Fever Mental status changes Stiff neck If the provider thinks you have meningitis, a lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ) should be done to remove a sample of spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) for testing. Other tests that may be done include: Blood culture Chest x-ray CT scan of the head.Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics do not treat viral meningitis. But antiviral medicine may be given to those with herpes meningitis. Other treatments will include: Fluids through a vein (IV) Medicines to treat symptoms, such as brain swelling, shock , and seizures.Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis is essential to prevent permanent neurological damage. Viral meningitis is usually not serious, and symptoms should disappear within 2 weeks with no lasting complications.Without prompt treatment, meningitis may result in the following: Brain damage Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain ( subdural effusion ) Hearing loss Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling ( hydrocephalus ) Seizures Death.If you think that you or your child has symptoms of meningitis, get emergency medical help immediately. Early treatment is key to a good outcome.Certain vaccines can help prevent some types of bacterial meningitis: Haemophilus vaccine ( HiB vaccine ) given to children helps Pneumococcal vaccine is given to children and adults Meningococcal vaccines is given to children and adults ; some communities hold vaccination campaigns after an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis. Household members and others in close contact with people who have meningococcal meningitis should receive antibiotics to prevent becoming infected.Meningitis - bacterial; Meningitis - viral; Meningitis - fungal; Meningitis - vaccine.Ventriculoperitoneal shunt - discharge.Brudzinski Brudzinski's sign of meningitis Kernig Kernig's sign of meningitis Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Meninges of the brain Meninges of the brain Meninges of the spine Meninges of the spine Haemophilus influenza organism Haemophilus influenza organism.Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis: Meningitis, often known as spinal meningitis, is an infection of the spinal cord. It is usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is more severe than viral meningitis and may cause brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. An estimated 1.2 million cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year, over a tenth of which are fatal. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, delirium, photophobia, and a stiff neck.Encyclopedia Entry for Meningitis :Meningitis. Source of disease: multiple