Meningitis%20-%20acute,%20bacterial Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Definition

Meningitis is the infection of the meninges and subarachnoid space that is usually caused by bacteria [eg Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes] and results in high mortality and morbidity throughout the world

Etiology

The introduction of conjugated vaccines against H influenzae type B, N meningitidis and S pneumoniae caused decline in the incidence of bacterial meningitis in children thus, majority of cases are now present in the adult population
Causative agents depend on the age of the patient and predisposing factors (eg compromised immune system, liver disease, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, living in dormitories/military barracks, jail)

Alternative Causes of Meningitis

Spirochetes eg Treponema pallidum
Mycobacteria eg Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Fungi eg Cryptococcus, Coccidioides, Sporothrix
Viruses eg herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), enterovirus
Protozoa and helminths
Malignancy eg leukemia, lymphoma

Signs and Symptoms

Classic triad: Fever, neck stiffness and an altered level of consciousness is present in <50% of cases and some may have severe headache (especially in children) or any of the other symptoms:
- Chills
- Myalgia
- Photophobia
- Focal neurologic symptoms [eg cranial nerve palsies, ataxia, dilated/unequal and poorly reacting pupils (late sign)]
- Nausea/vomiting
- Seizures (late sign)
- Some patients may present with petechial rash

The role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 treatment: Who, when, and how?

Dr. Roger Paredes, Dr. Nicola Petrosillo, Dr. Petrick Periyasamy, 30 Jan 2023

Though most countries have eased pandemic restrictions, there is no room for complacency in managing COVID-19, which continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality.

At a recent symposium, esteemed experts Dr Roger Paredes, Head of Department of Infectious Diseases at the Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain, and Dr Nicola Petrosillo, Head of the Infection Prevention and Control and Infectious Disease Service at University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy, gave global perspectives on the continuing unmet needs in the COVID-19 outpatient landscape and discussed the role of antiviral treatment options in patients at risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. Dr Petrick Periyasamy, Head of Infectious Diseases Unit, Medical Department, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, chaired the session.

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Turning the TIDES with Dengue Vaccination

15 Dec 2022

Aedes aegypti mosquito is the epitome of ‘small bite, big threat’. A bite from a female Aedes aegypti mosquito is enough to spread dengue. There are four different serotypes of dengue virus, Dengue Virus 1–4 (DENV1–4), thus, individuals can be infected with dengue up to four times. Repeated infections increase the risk of severe dengue, a risk factor for mortality. These serotypes are endemic to a certain countries and cocirculate in the natural environment. Dengue poses a major global health concern, with approximately 40% of the world’s population at risk of infection and more severe cases linked to a 20% mortality rate.