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Related Concept Videos

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,...
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 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...
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,...

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Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
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Cryptococcus and lymphocytic meningitis in Botswana.

Gregory P Bisson1, John Lukes, Ramishwari Thakur

  • 1Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. bisson@mail.med.upenn.edu

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|December 31, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of meningitis in Botswana, identified in 15% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Many lymphocytic meningitis cases remain undiagnosed due to a lack of identified pathogens in CSF.

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Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Meningitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
  • Accurate etiological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment and patient outcomes.
  • Cryptococcal meningitis is a known complication, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the etiological spectrum of meningitis in Botswana.
  • To identify the most common causative agents of meningitis in the studied population.
  • To assess the diagnostic yield of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of microbiological data.
  • Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens submitted for analysis.
  • Identification of microbial pathogens from CSF samples.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans was identified in 15% (193/1307) of all CSF specimens.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans was the most frequently diagnosed cause of meningitis.
  • Nearly 70% of CSF samples with lymphocytosis did not yield a pathogen, indicating undiagnosed cases.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of meningitis in this Botswana population.
  • A significant proportion of lymphocytic meningitis cases remain undiagnosed.
  • Further diagnostic approaches are needed to identify pathogens in lymphocytic meningitis.