Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Investigating Alterations in Caecum Microbiota After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
04:29

Investigating Alterations in Caecum Microbiota After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2019

Bacterial meningitis after craniocerebral trauma in the community

K Holeckova1, A Kolenova, A Lesnakova

  • 1St. Elizabeth University College, Tropical Projects, Slovakia.

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|November 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Craniocerebral trauma increases meningitis risk, with alcohol abuse and Streptococcus pneumoniae being key factors. While mortality is low due to early treatment, neurological deficits remain a significant concern in trauma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Craniocerebral trauma is a significant risk factor for developing meningitis.
  • Bacterial meningitis following head injury presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of bacterial meningitis in patients with a history of craniocerebral trauma.
  • To identify risk factors, common pathogens, and sequelae associated with posttraumatic meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 30 cases of community-acquired bacterial meningitis post-craniocerebral trauma.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, risk factors (including alcohol abuse), causative pathogens, mortality, and neurological sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Alcohol abuse was a significant risk factor (50% of cases, p=0.0001).
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (90% of cases, p=0.0001).
  • Low mortality (5%) was observed, likely due to early diagnosis and treatment, but neurological sequelae were significantly more common (p=0.00001).

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing mortality in posttraumatic bacterial meningitis.
  • Despite low mortality, craniocerebral trauma patients are at higher risk for neurological deficits following meningitis.

More Related Videos

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury09:49

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: January 20, 2023

A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation06:50

A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation

Published on: June 10, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...