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Meningitis: causes, symptoms and signs and nursing management

I Peate1

  • 1Department of Adult Nursing and Health, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|July 11, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Meningitis, a notifiable infectious disease, includes viral and bacterial forms. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe outcomes, while viral meningitis often results in full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningitis is a notifiable infectious disease with both viral and bacterial causes.
  • Bacterial meningitis, particularly meningococcal, poses significant health risks, while viral meningitis is more common and typically less severe.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) meningitis has been largely controlled in England and Wales due to immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the infectious disease meningitis, focusing on its causes, particularly bacterial meningitis.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and prompt referral for bacterial meningitis to prevent severe sequelae.
  • To inform healthcare professionals, especially nurses, about the need for awareness and timely intervention in managing meningitis cases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and discussion of existing knowledge on meningitis.
  • Analysis of the epidemiology and causative agents of meningitis.
  • Emphasis on clinical recognition and management protocols for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

  • Viral meningitis accounts for approximately 50% of cases in the UK, usually leading to complete recovery.
  • Bacterial meningitis, though less common, can have fatal consequences if treatment is delayed.
  • Effective immunization programs have significantly reduced cases of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of meningitis is crucial for effective patient management.
  • Healthcare professionals must be aware of meningitis symptoms and referral procedures to minimize infection severity and prevent complications.
  • Prompt medical intervention is key to improving outcomes for bacterial meningitis patients.

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