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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 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,...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

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

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Steroids in bacterial meningitis: yes.

Felix Benninger1, Israel Steiner

  • 1Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Campus Beilinson, Petach Tikva, Israel.

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|December 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Bacterial meningitis, though reduced by vaccines, still poses risks. Corticosteroids are debated as an adjunctive therapy to combat inflammation and improve outcomes in bacterial meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of severe illness and death, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment.
  • While vaccines have decreased incidence, bacterial meningitis requires effective acute treatment strategies.
  • The intense inflammatory response during infection can lead to detrimental tissue effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the rationale and evidence for using adjuvant corticosteroid therapy in bacterial meningitis.
  • To explore the benefits and drawbacks of anti-inflammatory approaches in managing this infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and clinical evidence.
  • Analysis of studies supporting and refuting the use of corticosteroids.

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Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection
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A Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell-based Model of the Human Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Study Bacterial Infection from the Basolateral Side
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A Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell-based Model of the Human Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Study Bacterial Infection from the Basolateral Side

Published on: May 6, 2016

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Last Updated: May 16, 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
05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

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A Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell-based Model of the Human Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Study Bacterial Infection from the Basolateral Side
09:58

A Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell-based Model of the Human Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Study Bacterial Infection from the Basolateral Side

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  • Examination of the inflammatory mechanisms in bacterial meningitis.

    • Main Results:

    • Corticosteroids are considered for their anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Evidence supporting and refuting their use in bacterial meningitis is under debate.
    • The role of inflammation in disease progression is a key consideration.

    Conclusions:

    • The use of adjuvant corticosteroids in bacterial meningitis is a complex issue.
    • Further research and clinical consensus are needed to clarify their role.
    • Balancing anti-inflammatory effects with potential risks is crucial.