What is the pathophysiology of meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is characterized by the entry of bacteria into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bacterial growth in this compartment leading to inflammation within the CSF and the adjacent brain tissue.
How does meningitis cause septic shock?
The septic shock is caused by reduced vascular resistance and capillary leakage. Meningitis leads to altered brain metabolism, oedema and circulatory disturbance, which ultimately cause hypoxia. The general practitioner should be aware of the atypical symptomatology of meningitis in infants.
What is pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis?
The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis involve a complex interplay between virulence factors of the pathogens and the host immune response [3,4]. Much of the damage from this infection is believed to result from cytokines released within the CSF as the host mounts an inflammatory response.
How does Neisseria meningitidis cause shock?
meningitidis is an extracellular pathogen that once disseminated into the bloodstream, has two specificities: (1) its ability to interact freely with the BBB to reach the subarachnoidal space, and (2) in some circumstances to be responsible for a severe shock with extensive purpura (i.e., the purpura fulminans).
What is meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia?
Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria infect the lining of the brain (the meninges) and the spinal cord. Meningococcal septicaemia – or blood poisoning – occurs when the bacteria in the blood multiply uncontrollably.
What is difference between pathology and pathophysiology?
Pathology describes the abnormal or undesired condition, whereas pathophysiology seeks to explain the functional changes that are occurring within an individual due to a disease or pathologic state.
What are the key manifestations of bacterial meningitis?
What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis? You want to watch for high fever, headaches, and an inability to lower your chin to your chest due to stiffness in the neck. In older children and adults, you may see confusion, irritability, increasing drowsiness. Seizures and stroke may occur.
How does Neisseria meningitidis cause septicemia?
Doctors call septicemia (a bloodstream infection) caused by Neisseria meningitidis meningococcal septicemia or meningococcemia. When someone has meningococcal septicemia, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply, damaging the walls of the blood vessels. This causes bleeding into the skin and organs.
How does Neisseria meningitidis enter the body?
The bacterium is spread by droplets in the air or close contact with an infected person. It collects in the nasopharynx, or post-nasal space, that connects the nasal cavities with the throat. The bacterium is transported to the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord by the blood.
What is the pathophysiology of meningococcal septicaemia?
There is now considerable evidence that indicates that the major pathophysiological event occurring in meningococcal septicaemia, which explains most of the severe physiological consequences of the disease, is related to a profound change in the normal finely regulated functions of the microvasculature.
Can meningococcal septicaemia cause death in hours?
Meningococcal septicaemia can cause death in a matter of hours. Early treatment can help prevent life-threatening or debilitating complications and lead to a full recovery. Meningococcal septicaemia is an infection of the bloodstream caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
What is the difference between sepsis and meningitis?
Sepsis is more common and more dangerous. It is most likely to be fatal when it occurs without meningitis9. A patient with sepsis can present with very different symptoms from someone with meningitis. This diagram illustrates the development of symptoms and signs at the far ends of the spectrum of meningococcal disease.
What is meningitis caused by bacteria?
Doctors call meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis meningococcal meningitis. When someone has meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling.