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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

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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...
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...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
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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,...

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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

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Published on: November 5, 2019

Meningitis.

Keith Mann1, Mary Anne Jackson

  • 1University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Pediatrics in Review
|December 3, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacterial meningitis in infants presents subtly. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are common, while Group B Streptococcus (GBS) affects neonates, with significant hearing loss risks.

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection
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Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Meningitis in young infants often presents with non-specific symptoms, complicating early diagnosis.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are leading bacterial meningitis pathogens in children, with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) being the most common in neonates.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial due to potential severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key aspects of bacterial meningitis in infants and children.
  • To highlight common pathogens, diagnostic challenges, and treatment considerations.
  • To underscore the importance of intensive care and potential long-term sequelae.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical manifestations in young infants.
  • Identification of prevalent bacterial pathogens.
  • Outline of recommended empiric antibiotic therapy for non-neonates.
  • Criteria for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.
  • Incidence of sensorineural hearing loss post-infection.

Main Results:

  • Nonspecific clinical signs are common in young infants with meningitis.
  • S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis are primary causes in older infants/children; GBS is dominant in neonates.
  • Empiric treatment for non-neonates involves vancomycin plus cefotaxime or ceftriaxone.
  • Specific clinical indicators (low GCS, shock, respiratory compromise, elevated ICP) necessitate PICU admission.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss affects 30% of pneumococcal and 10% of meningococcal meningitis cases.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial meningitis requires vigilant diagnosis and management in pediatric populations.
  • Appropriate empiric therapy and timely PICU admission are critical for improving outcomes.
  • Significant risk of sensorineural hearing loss highlights the need for long-term follow-up and hearing screening.