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Death meningitis. Bacterial Meningitis: Causes, Risks, and Prevention – A Comprehensive Guide

by alexxlab

What are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States. How does bacterial meningitis spread from person to person. What are the risk factors for developing bacterial meningitis. How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious infection.

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Understanding Bacterial Meningitis: A Serious Health Threat

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This life-threatening condition can progress rapidly, potentially leading to death within hours if left untreated. While many individuals recover from bacterial meningitis, survivors may face long-term complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

Common Causes of Bacterial Meningitis in the United States

Several bacterial species are responsible for causing meningitis. In the United States, the primary culprits include:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Group B Streptococcus
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Escherichia coli

It’s worth noting that Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB), can also cause a less common form of bacterial meningitis known as TB meningitis.

Age-Specific Bacterial Meningitis Causes

The likelihood of specific bacteria causing meningitis varies among different age groups:

  • Newborns: Group B Streptococcus, S. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, E. coli
  • Babies and young children: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, Group B Streptococcus, M. tuberculosis
  • Teens and young adults: N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae
  • Older adults: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, Group B Streptococcus, L. monocytogenes

Identifying Risk Factors for Bacterial Meningitis

Certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to bacterial meningitis. These include:

  1. Age: Infants are particularly vulnerable to bacterial meningitis compared to other age groups, although people of any age can contract the infection.
  2. Group settings: Infectious diseases tend to spread more easily in crowded environments. For instance, college campuses have reported outbreaks of meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis.
  3. Medical conditions: Certain health conditions, medications, and surgical procedures can elevate the risk of meningitis. Examples include HIV infection, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and the absence of a spleen.
  4. Occupational exposure: Microbiologists who routinely work with meningitis-causing bacteria face an increased risk of infection.
  5. Travel: Individuals visiting specific regions, such as the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa or Mecca during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, may be at higher risk for meningococcal disease.

Transmission Mechanisms of Bacterial Meningitis

Understanding how bacterial meningitis spreads is crucial for prevention. While some bacteria, like L. monocytogenes, can spread through contaminated food, most transmission occurs from person to person. The specific mode of transmission depends on the type of bacteria involved:

  • Group B Streptococcus and E. coli: These bacteria can be passed from mothers to their babies during childbirth.
  • H. influenzae, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae: Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to others.
  • N. meningitidis: This bacterium spreads through the exchange of respiratory or throat secretions, typically during close contact such as kissing or living in close quarters.
  • E. coli: Infection can occur by consuming food prepared by individuals who have not properly washed their hands after using the toilet.

It’s important to note that some people can be carriers of these bacteria without showing symptoms, yet still capable of transmitting the infection to others.

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women and Newborns

Pregnancy introduces unique risks and considerations regarding bacterial meningitis:

  • Listeria infection: Pregnant women are at increased risk of Listeria infection, which may present with mild or no symptoms but can lead to severe complications for the fetus or newborn.
  • Group B Streptococcus: Mothers can transmit this bacterium to their babies during delivery, potentially causing meningitis in newborns.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis

Early detection of bacterial meningitis is critical for prompt treatment and improved outcomes. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of high fever
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Seizures (in severe cases)

In newborns and infants, symptoms may be less specific and can include:

  • Irritability
  • Poor feeding
  • Lethargy
  • Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head)

Prevention Strategies for Bacterial Meningitis

While bacterial meningitis can be a formidable threat, several preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:

Vaccination

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent bacterial meningitis. Vaccines are available for several meningitis-causing bacteria, including:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) and Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB)

These vaccines are typically administered as part of routine childhood immunizations, but some may be recommended for adults in certain risk groups.

Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good hygiene habits can help prevent the spread of bacteria that cause meningitis:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as utensils, toothbrushes, or water bottles
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in shared living spaces

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Strengthening your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices can help your body fight off infections:

  • Get adequate sleep
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Exercise regularly
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices

Pregnancy Precautions

Pregnant women can take specific steps to reduce their risk of Listeria infection:

  • Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses
  • Thoroughly cook all meats, including deli meats
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption
  • Follow proper food safety guidelines for storage and preparation

Treatment Approaches for Bacterial Meningitis

When bacterial meningitis is suspected, immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment typically involves:

Antibiotic Therapy

Intravenous antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial meningitis. The specific antibiotic or combination of antibiotics will depend on the causative bacteria and local resistance patterns. Treatment usually begins empirically before the exact bacterial strain is identified and may be adjusted based on laboratory results.

Supportive Care

In addition to antibiotics, patients with bacterial meningitis often require supportive care to manage symptoms and complications:

  • Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Pain relief medications
  • Anticonvulsant medications if seizures occur
  • Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if breathing is compromised
  • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation (in some cases)

Close Monitoring

Patients with bacterial meningitis require close monitoring in a hospital setting to track their response to treatment and manage any potential complications. This may include regular neurological assessments, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications

While many individuals recover fully from bacterial meningitis with prompt treatment, some may experience long-term effects:

  • Hearing loss: This is one of the most common long-term complications, affecting up to 30% of survivors.
  • Neurological problems: These can include seizures, vision problems, and difficulties with balance or coordination.
  • Cognitive impairment: Some survivors may experience memory problems, attention deficits, or learning disabilities.
  • Psychological effects: The experience of severe illness can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases.

The severity and likelihood of these complications can vary depending on factors such as the causative bacteria, the individual’s age and overall health, and how quickly treatment was initiated.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of bacterial meningitis research continues to evolve, with scientists and medical professionals working to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies:

Vaccine Development

Researchers are working on developing new and improved vaccines to provide broader protection against bacterial meningitis. This includes efforts to create universal vaccines that could protect against multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria.

Rapid Diagnostic Tools

The development of faster and more accurate diagnostic tests is a priority. These could help healthcare providers identify the specific bacteria causing meningitis more quickly, allowing for targeted treatment to begin sooner.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Scientists are exploring new treatment strategies, including:

  • Targeted antibiotics that can more effectively cross the blood-brain barrier
  • Immunomodulatory therapies to help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation
  • Neuroprotective agents to minimize brain damage during the acute phase of infection

Genetic Research

Studies into genetic factors that may influence susceptibility to bacterial meningitis or affect treatment outcomes are ongoing. This research could lead to more personalized prevention and treatment strategies in the future.

Global Health Initiatives and Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries. Several international initiatives are working to address this issue:

Meningitis Research Foundation

This organization funds research, provides support for those affected by meningitis, and works to raise awareness about the disease globally.

World Health Organization (WHO) Initiatives

The WHO has set goals to eliminate epidemic meningitis in Africa by 2030 through vaccination campaigns, improved surveillance, and better access to treatment.

GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance

This public-private partnership works to increase access to vaccines, including those that protect against bacterial meningitis, in low-income countries.

The Role of Public Health Education in Meningitis Prevention

Raising awareness about bacterial meningitis is crucial for prevention and early detection. Public health education efforts focus on:

  • Promoting vaccination uptake
  • Teaching the signs and symptoms of meningitis
  • Educating about risk factors and prevention strategies
  • Dispelling myths and misconceptions about the disease

These efforts often target high-risk groups, such as college students, young children, and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers who play a critical role in diagnosis and treatment.

Coping with the Aftermath of Bacterial Meningitis

For survivors of bacterial meningitis and their families, the recovery process can be challenging. Support systems and resources are available to help navigate the aftermath of the disease:

Rehabilitation Services

Many survivors benefit from various forms of rehabilitation, including:

  • Physical therapy to address mobility issues
  • Occupational therapy to regain independence in daily activities
  • Speech and language therapy for those with communication difficulties
  • Cognitive rehabilitation to address memory or learning problems

Support Groups

Connecting with others who have experienced bacterial meningitis can provide emotional support and practical advice. Many organizations offer support groups, both in-person and online.

Educational Resources

For children and young adults returning to school after bacterial meningitis, educational resources and accommodations may be necessary to address any learning challenges resulting from the infection.

Mental Health Support

Counseling or therapy can be beneficial for both survivors and their families in dealing with the emotional impact of the illness and adjusting to any long-term effects.

By understanding the causes, risks, and prevention strategies associated with bacterial meningitis, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this serious infection. While the disease remains a significant health concern, ongoing research and public health initiatives continue to improve our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat bacterial meningitis effectively.

Bacterial Meningitis | CDC

Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

Causes

Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Group B Streptococcus
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Escherichia coli

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis or TB, is a less common cause of bacterial meningitis (called TB meningitis).

Many of these bacteria can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.  Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Some causes of bacterial meningitis are more likely to affect certain age groups:

  • Newborns: Group B Streptococcus, S. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, E. coli
  • Babies and young children: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, group B Streptococcus, M. tuberculosis
  • Teens and young adults: N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae
  • Older adults: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, group B Streptococcus, L. monocytogenes

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase a person’s risk for getting bacterial meningitis. These risk factors include:

  • Age: Babies are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis compared to people in other age groups. However, people of any age can develop bacterial meningitis. See section above for which bacteria more commonly affect which age groups.
  • Group setting: Infectious diseases tend to spread where large groups of people gather. For example, college campuses have reported outbreaks of meningococcal disease, caused by N. meningitidis.
  • Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, medications, and surgical procedures put people at increased risk for meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or not having a spleen can increase a person’s risk for several types of bacterial meningitis.
  • Working with meningitis-causing pathogens: Microbiologists routinely exposed to meningitis-causing bacteria are at increased risk for meningitis.
  • Travel: Travelers may be at increased risk for meningococcal disease, caused by N. meningitidis, if they travel to certain places, such as:
    • The meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the dry season
    • Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage

In many countries, TB is much more common than in the United States. Travelers should avoid close contact or prolonged time with known TB patients in crowded, enclosed environments (for example, clinics, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters).

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How It Spreads

Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. monocytogenes, can spread through food. But most of these germs spread from one person to another.

How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others.

Here are some of the most common examples of how people spread each type of bacteria to each other:

  • Group B Streptococcus and E. coli: Mothers can pass these bacteria to their babies during birth.
  • H. influenzae, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae: People spread these bacteria by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who breathe in the bacteria.
  • N. meningitidis: People spread these bacteria by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or kissing) or lengthy (living together) contact.
  • E. coli: People can get these bacteria by eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands well after using the toilet.

People usually get sick from E. coli and L. monocytogenes by eating contaminated food.

Signs and Symptoms

Being pregnant increases a person’s risk of getting a Listeria infection  (L. monocytogenes). Pregnant people with a Listeria infection may not have any symptoms or may only have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. However, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn, including meningitis. Find out which foods are more likely to contain Listeria and steps you can take to protect your and your baby’s health.

Pregnant women can pass group B Streptococcus (group B strep) to their baby during delivery. Newborns infected with group B strep can develop meningitis or other serious infections soon after birth. Talk with your doctor or midwife about getting a group B test when you are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant. Doctors give antibiotics (during labor) to women who test positive in order to prevent infections in newborns.

Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck

There are often other symptoms, such as

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
  • Altered mental status (confusion)

Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above. Instead, babies may

  • Be slow or inactive
  • Be irritable
  • Vomit
  • Feed poorly
  • Have a bulging fontanelle (the “soft spot” on a baby’s head)
  • Have abnormal reflexes

If you think your baby or child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away.

Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria.

People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die. For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

If a doctor suspects meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord). A laboratory will test the samples to see what is causing the infection. Knowing the specific cause of meningitis helps doctors treat it.

Treatment

Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention

Vaccination

Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis:

  • Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N. meningitidis
  • Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against S. pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) vaccines help protect against Hib
  • Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis disease, but is not widely used in the United States

Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule.

Like with any vaccine, these vaccines do not work 100% of the time. The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types (strains) of each of these bacteria. For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis.

Prophylaxis

When someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent people around the patient from getting sick. Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for:

  • Close contacts of someone with meningitis caused by N. meningitidis
  • Household members of someone with a serious Hib infection when the household includes one or more people at increased risk of Hib based on age, vaccination status, and/or immunocompromising conditions

Doctors or local health departments recommend who should get prophylaxis.

Healthy Pregnancy Practices

Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or midwife about getting tested for group B Streptococcus. Women receive the test when they are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant. Doctors give antibiotics (during labor) to women who test positive in order to prevent passing group B strep to their newborns.

Pregnant women can also reduce their risk of meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes. Women should avoid certain foods during pregnancy and safely prepare others.

Healthy Habits

You can also help protect yourself and others from bacterial meningitis and other health problems by maintaining healthy habits:

  • Don’t smoke and avoid cigarette smoke as much as possible
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available)
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (use your upper sleeve or elbow if a tissue isn’t available)

These healthy habits are especially important for people at increased risk for disease, including:

  • Young babies
  • Older adults
  • People with weak immune systems
  • People without a spleen or a spleen that doesn’t work the way it should

 

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The cause of death in bacterial meningitis

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. 2020 Feb 27;20(1):182.

doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-4899-x.

A Sharew 
1
, J Bodilsen 
2
, B R Hansen 
3
, H Nielsen 
2
 
4
, C T Brandt 
5
 
6

Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjællands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark.
  • 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • 3 Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Copenhagen Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
  • 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • 5 Department of pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjællands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark. [email protected].
  • 6 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. [email protected].

  • PMID:

    32106821

  • PMCID:

    PMC7045616

  • DOI:

    10.1186/s12879-020-4899-x

Free PMC article

A Sharew et al.

BMC Infect Dis.

.

Free PMC article

. 2020 Feb 27;20(1):182.

doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-4899-x.

Authors

A Sharew 
1
, J Bodilsen 
2
, B R Hansen 
3
, H Nielsen 
2
 
4
, C T Brandt 
5
 
6

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjællands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark.
  • 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • 3 Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Copenhagen Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
  • 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • 5 Department of pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjællands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400, Hilleroed, Denmark. [email protected].
  • 6 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. [email protected].

  • PMID:

    32106821

  • PMCID:

    PMC7045616

  • DOI:

    10. 1186/s12879-020-4899-x

Abstract


Background:

Death from bacterial meningitis is rarely attributed to the actual event causing death. The present study therefore categorized and characterized the cause and time of death due to bacterial meningitis.


Methods:

In a cohort of patients > 15 years of age with community acquired bacterial meningitis the medical records were reviewed, and a clinical cause of death categorized into six main categories: 1) CNS complications, 2) Systemic complications, 3) Combination of systemic and CNS complications, 4) Sudden death, 5) Withdrawal of care, or 6) Unknown.


Results:

We identified 358 patients of which 84 (23%) died in-hospital. Causes of death were ascribed to CNS complications in 43%, Systemic complications in 39%, Combined CNS and systemic complications in 4%, Sudden death in 7% and withdrawal of care in 5%. Brain herniation, circulatory failure, intractable seizures and other brain injury were the most common specific causes of death within 14 days from admission (55%).


Conclusion:

Fatal complications due to the primary infection – meningitis – is most common within 14 days of admission. The diversity of complications causing death in meningitis suggest that determining the clinical cause of death is essential to the evaluation of novel treatment strategies.


Keywords:

Bacterial meningitis; Brain herniation; Cause of death; Central nervous system complications; Sepsis; Systemic complications.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1

Time from admission to death.…

Fig. 1

Time from admission to death. At 7 days from admission 41 of 84…


Fig. 1

Time from admission to death. At 7 days from admission 41 of 84 patients were dead (49%). Within 14 days of admission 56 patients (66%) had died. Median time to death was 8 days (3 to 16.8)

See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Meningitis: threat or reality? | Articles by doctors of the EMC clinic about diseases, diagnosis and treatment

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Moscow, st. Pravdy, 15 building 1

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November 10, 2015

It is unlikely that there will be a person in a civilized society who has never heard of such a disease as meningitis. And everyone understands that we are talking about a serious infection that can become fatal or have severe complications.

Meningitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Among the latter, the most significant are Haemophilus influenzae B, pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and meningococcus (Neisseria miningitidis). Since the widespread vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal infection was introduced, meningococcus has become the most common causative agent of meningitis. Also, meningitis is not the only disease caused by N. miningitidis. No less terrible is systemic meningococcal infection – menigococcemia .

Children of the first two years of life and people of the older generation are most susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of meningitis

The first manifestations of meningococcal infection are non-specific: high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, disorientation. Similar symptoms can occur with viral infections, especially influenza. But the severity of the patient’s condition and the rapid progression of the disease make it possible to suspect meningitis. Patients are hospitalized, as a rule, on the first day of the disease. Treatment of infection is difficult and lengthy.

Despite modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, the risk of death still remains. Among children, the risk of such an outcome of infection is 10 times higher than in adults.

The insidiousness of the infection lies in the fact that it leaves serious consequences even with proper and timely treatment. Among the complications of meningitis, such disorders of the nervous system as convulsions, hydrocephalus, neuropsychiatric retardation, mental retardation, ataxia, significant hearing loss, and others are known.

Prophylaxis

Vaccines have been developed to protect the body against meningococcal disease . They differ in composition, the possible age of the start of vaccination, the frequency of vaccine administration. For example, until recently, vaccines were available that were allowed only in children over 2 years of age. But sometimes it may be too late. Since 2013, the European Commission has adopted a decision on the routine vaccination of children in the European area from the age of 2 months. A monovalent vaccine is used, that is, it protects only against meningitis caused by one type of bacterium (serotype B). Drugs that provide protection against several serotypes (C, B, Y, W135) have been used since 9- one month old. In Europe and North America, meningitis vaccination is mandatory.

It is very important to get vaccinated if you are traveling to areas where the infection is most common. These are the countries of northern Africa (the so-called Meningitisbelt), such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia. Vaccination is also mandatory for those who go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that for those planning a trip to these regions, a single (routine) vaccination will not be enough.

One of the meningococcal vaccines is also available at our clinic. Check with your pediatrician. Perhaps you should vaccinate your child tomorrow?

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How to distinguish meningococcal meningitis from SARS and what kind of vaccination to make against a deadly infection – July 7, 2023 / TASS

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Meningococcus – a terrible infection that can literally lead to death in a day or to such meningitis, about which the people say “had been ill and become a fool.”

The most notorious outbreaks of meningoccal infection in the last year occurred among employees of the popular marketplace. At the end of 2022, 11 people became infected and fell ill at the Ozon warehouse in Istra near Moscow. At the same time, according to Fontanka, an employee of the St. Petersburg Ozone died in the Botkin hospital – a girl who had come to St. Petersburg from Murmansk. Now seven people have fallen ill, of which two Ozon employees in Yekaterinburg have died. With the help of doctors, Fontanka figured out why people die from this bacterial infection in general in our time and whether it is possible to protect themselves from it.

According to Fontanka, 10 Petersburgers with meningitis are currently being treated in the city’s Botkin hospital. Almost every day, an ambulance delivers patients with such a diagnosis. But these are only those who have the so-called primary meningitis – serous, tick-borne and yes, meningococcal. With the secondary, they go to ordinary, non-infectious hospitals. For example, bacterial endocarditis can cause embolic meningitis. Such patients are hospitalized in cardiosurgical departments of general hospitals. When otitis or sinusitis as a complication of a common cold becomes the cause of bacterial meningitis, they are dealt with by ENT doctors in multidisciplinary hospitals.

As Mikhail Komarov, head of the ENT department of the City Hospital No. 26, explained, when a patient develops secondary meningitis due to an ear or nose disease (there are 2–3 such patients per month), a surgical intervention is performed to remove the primary focus infections: “If by this time an abscess has not formed in the brain, then the patient is treated with antibiotics that penetrate the blood-brain barrier and destroy the infection in the cerebrospinal fluid spaces and brain tissues. The probability of dying from this group of diseases is very high and is 10%, no less than the possibility of remaining disabled with a deep neurological deficit. These outcomes may have predisposing causes – old age, diseases of the cardiovascular system, immune deficiency, and others.

Otorhinolaryngologist Komarov emphasizes: secondary bacterial meningitis is not associated with meningococcal infection, the treatment of patients with which is carried out only in an infectious diseases hospital with strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures.

In a specialized hospital – the Botkin hospital – they told Fontanka that in recent years there have been few patients with meningococcal infection – the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, no more than 5-10 people a year. In general, there have been no outbreaks of meningococcal infection in St. Petersburg for a long time, the last one happened more than 15 years ago.

The disease is dangerous because it can proceed in different ways, for example, with meningococcemia – bleeding in the adrenal glands and with septic shock. And this is deadly: from the appearance of the first symptoms to the most severe condition, they can develop in a matter of hours. If you miss the moment when you can help avoid serious complications, then a person will either become disabled or die.

Information:

In 2021, 10 children were registered in St.

In 2022, 17 people with meningococcal infection were registered, including 9 children under the age of 17. One person died.

In 2023, 17 cases have already been registered, of which three are children under 17 years old. One person died.

Meningococcal infection became more active after covid, when the coronavirus weakened, and other infections began to return. More precisely, meningococcus did not go anywhere, but behaved with restraint. It is always around us – in the air, especially in humid regions, which include St. Petersburg. In a “dormant” state, meningococcus lives in the nasopharynx in 10-15% of the population – the risk of developing the disease increases if someone’s immunity is sharply weakened. It happens that it sits in the nose and immediately dies when the immune system is strong, it happens that it takes root in it and nasopharyngitis develops, the disease proceeds like an acute respiratory viral infection and this is where it all ends. And in a weakened person, it penetrates through the nose into the brain and develops severe generalized meningitis.

Help

The three main symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are:

9 0079 1. Chills and rapid temperature increase above 38-39 degrees.

2. Extremely severe, intolerable headache for which pain pills do not help.

3. Hyperesthesia – increased sensitivity to light, sounds, touch.

Meningococcus is a cyclically recurring infection, and periods of “calm” are just 15-20 years. Therefore, now infectious disease specialists are wary of information about the emerging diseases of generalized meningoccal infection.

Marina Dessau, Head of the Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases at City Polyclinic No. 122, explains: “The cyclical activity of meningococcal infection suggests that the incidence of meningococcal disease increases strongly every 15–20 years. And the larger the gap – the “quiet period”, the more aggressively this microbe will behave in a year of high activity.”

In the outpatient network, physicians usually deal with the aftermath of a generalized infection or when a patient is reported to be infected with Neisseria meningitidis. “Doctors work in the “center”, examine those who have been in contact with the infected. But it is still difficult to identify the source if there are no clinical manifestations, says Marina Dessau. – There are many carriers of this infection, each of them can potentially become its distributor. But not everyone to whom it is transmitted will develop a severe clinical picture of the disease: it is easiest to infect a young child or a debilitated elderly person, and they are also at high risk of a severe course of the disease.

Information:

According to statistics, if the diagnosis is made within the first 12 hours from the onset of the disease, the risk of death is reduced to 0.7-1.5%. If treatment was started in a day – up to 2-4%, after two days – 5-6%, after three or four days – 15-18%. Without treatment, 85% of patients die, 15% remain severely disabled.

However, when there are symptoms, it is rare to diagnose the disease at an early stage. Because meningococcal meningitis begins with signs of a common cold. It is possible to differentiate with a respiratory infection with appropriate vigilance three days after the onset of the disease. In a person with SARS, the symptoms should decrease, with meningococcus they increase, including the temperature rises, the headache becomes more intense. But even this does not always make it possible to distinguish meningococcal infection from a respiratory virus. It is good if the patient is hospitalized before meningococcemia and the appearance of a rash on the body. But even in these cases, patients are difficult and long treated in the hospital. And when they return home, they are observed in outpatient medical facilities by local therapists (pediatricians) and neurologists, who work with complications that depend on the severity of the disease — hearing loss, visual impairment, memory problems, paresis and paralysis.

Doctors say that the best prevention is sun and water, vitamins, and with them – good immunity. But it is not exactly. Only vaccination gives 100% certainty. An expensive vaccine has recently been included in the National Immunization Schedule.

Meningococcal bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which causes severe forms of generalized sepsis, can be of different groups, a quarter of registered cases occur in a representative of serogroup B, against which the Bexero vaccine (GSK, UK) protects. She is not in St. Petersburg today.

It is possible to get vaccinated with the Menactra vaccine (Sanofi, USA), which protects against other serotypes.

As the infectious disease specialist Marina Dessau explained, free of charge, within the framework of the National Immunization Calendar, vaccination is carried out only for children, adults – according to indications, for example, contacts, as well as those who live in crowded groups, for example, military personnel in barracks.

Photo: Sergey Savostyanov / TASS

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