Some of the Different Types of Meningitis

Types of Meningitis
There are some of the different types of meningitis, which can be is either infectious or noninfectious. Infectious can be classified as bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic, depending on which of the organism has caused the infection.

•     Infectious meningitis- It is a general term for meningitis, since it is caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoa. Most of the agents that cause meningitis are infectious. The risky group of people includes people with AIDS, transplant recipients, infant and other with weaker immune system.
•     Viral meningitis- It is also referred as aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common type among all. It is rarely fatal and usually gets cured with treatment. It is the inflammation of the meninges caused by a virus. This type of meningitis is highly contagious and mostly occurs in children.
•     Bacterial meningitis- It is an inflammation of the meninges caused by a bacterial infection. This type of meningitis is severe and should be taken care of immediately. If it is left untreated, it may be fatal or cause serious long-term complications. So it is important to identify the bacteria and according to that the treatment should begin. Vomiting is common as it leads to dehydration. Bacterial infection that occurs in ears, and mouth can spread directly to the brain and spinal cord. Some types of bacteria are transmitted from one person to the other through secretions from the mouth and nose.
•     Fungal meningitis- Fungal infection develops in patients with conditions that have weaker immune system (for eg: HIV, lupus, diabetes). It occurs in 10% of patients with AIDS.
•     Parasitic meningitis- It is more common in underdeveloped countries and is usually caused by parasites found in contaminated water, food, and soil.
•     Noninfectious meningitis- It may be developed as a complication of another illness such as mumps, tuberculosis, syphilis. A break in the skin or bones in the face or skull such as brain or head injury can allow bacteria to enter the body.
•     Cryptococcal meningitis- It is generally caused by the infection from yeast known as Cryptococcus. It is basically found in soil and bird droppings. It is sometimes referred as opportunistic disease because normally it does not cause any problem, but becomes infectious under certain conditions. This disease is usually associated with AIDS.
•     Neoplastic meningitis- It is caused by the spread of solid tumours to the brain or spinal cord.
•     Tuberculous meningitis- It caused by tuberculosis infection and is very dangerous and can lead to brain damage.

These types of meningitis, if not treated, can lead to severe complications such as hearing loss, blindness, loss of speech, learning disabilities, behavior problems, brain damage, and even paralysis. So it is better to follow the precautionary measures, and get it treated at the earliest.

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Unknown Meningitis, Types

Meningitis Pathophysiology Causes Symptoms Treatment

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is classified as aseptic or septic. In aseptic meningitis, bacteria are not the cause of the inflammation; the cause is viral or secondary to lymphoma, leukemia, or brain abscess. Septic meningitis refers to meningitis caused by bacteria, most commonly Neisseria meningitidis, although Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are also causative agents.

Pathophysiology of MeningitisMeningeal infections generally originate in one of two ways:
through the bloodstream as a consequence of other infections, or by direct extension, such as might occur after a traumatic injury to the facial bones, or secondary to invasive procedures.N. meningitidis concentrates in the nasopharynx and is transmitted by secretion or aerosol contamination. Bacterial or meningococcal meningitis also occurs as an opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and as a complication of Lyme disease . S. pneumoniae is the most frequent causative agent of bacterial meningitis associated with AIDS (Rosenstein, Perkins, Stephens et al.,2001).
Once the causative organism enters the bloodstream, it crosses the blood–brain barrier and causes an inflammatory reaction in the meninges. Independent of the causative agent, inflammation of the subarachnoid space and pia mater occurs. Since there is little room for expansion within the cranial vault, the inflammation may cause increased intracranial pressure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows in the subarachnoid space, where inflammatory cellular material from the affected meningeal tissue enters and accumulates in the subarachnoid space, thereby increasing the CSF cell count (Coyle, 1999).
The prognosis for bacterial meningitis depends on the causative organism, the severity of the infection and illness, and the timeliness of treatment. In acute fulminant presentations there may be adrenal damage, circulatory collapse, and widespread hemorrhages (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome). This syndrome is
the result of endothelial damage and vascular necrosis caused by the bacteria. Complications include visual impairment, deafness,seizures, paralysis, hydrocephalus, and septic shock.

Causes of Meningitis
Many of the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are fairly common and associated with other routine illnesses. Bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, urinary system, gastrointestinal or respiratory tract can spread by the bloodstream to the meninges through cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that circulates in and around the spinal cord.

In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria spread to the meninges from a severe head trauma or a severe local infection, such as a serious ear infection (otitis media) or nasal sinus infection (sinusitis).

Symptoms of Meningitis

    * fever
    * lethargy (decreased consciousness)
    * irritability
    * headache
    * photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
    * stiff neck
    * skin rashes
    * seizures

Meningitis Treatment

Routine vaccination protects against some types of bacterial meningitis, including those caused by one type of meningococcus (MenC), Haemophilus influenzae (Hib vaccine) and invasive pneumococcal disease (PCV vaccine).
Vaccination against the mumps virus (for example with the MMR vaccine given routinely to children) protects against viral meningitis caused by mumps.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis may need to take antibiotics as a preventative measure.
The diagnosis is confirmed using blood tests and a test called a lumbar puncture. A fine needle is insertedinto the person's spine to draw out fluid that can then be examined in a laboratory for infectious organisms.
Treatment depends on the cause of the meningitis, but intravenous antibiotics will be started immediately and continued if tests confirm the bacterial form.
If other causes are diagnosed they will be treated accordingly. Different medicines may be needed to control symptoms such as seizures.
Delays in treatment increase the risk of long-term damage. If you suspect meningitis, get urgent medical advice.

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Unknown Causes, Meningitis, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Treatment