Related Experiment Videos

Community acquired Staphylococcus aureus meningitis in adults

Matthijs C Brouwer1, Gabriella D Keizerweerd, Jan De Gans

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Community acquired Staphylococcus aureus meningitis is severe, often linked to other infections like endocarditis and pneumonia. Promptly treating the primary infection source is crucial for survival in these critical Staphylococcus aureus meningitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • Community-acquired meningitis presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • This study reviewed 9 patients diagnosed with community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus meningitis.
  • Extensive extra-neurological foci of infection were identified in 89% of cases, predominantly endocarditis and pneumonia.

Findings:

  • A high mortality rate of 67% was observed, with frequent cardiorespiratory complications.
  • The primary focus of infection was often severe, contributing to poor outcomes.

Implications:

  • Early identification and aggressive treatment of extra-neurological infection sources are paramount.
  • Multidisciplinary management is essential for improving survival rates in Staphylococcus aureus meningitis.
  • Further research into targeted therapies for Staphylococcus aureus meningitis with systemic involvement is warranted.

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...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...