Question

Discuss the prevention for meningitis. Please be VERY detailed.

Answer 1

ans

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.it occurs when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected.

The common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Meningitis

• Fever
• Numbness in your face

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• Headache with nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Sensitivity to light
• No appetite or thirst
• Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

Types of Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis

Different kinds of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis. The most common ones are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
• Listeria monocytogenes (in older people, pregnant women, or those with immune system problems)
• Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus).

A bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

In many cases, bacterial meningitis starts when bacteria get into your bloodstream from your sinuses, ears, or throat. The bacteria travel through your bloodstream to your brain.

The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread when people who are infected cough or sneeze. If you or your child has been around someone who has bacterial meningitis, ask your doctor what steps you should take to avoid catching it.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is more common than the bacterial form and generally -- but not always -- less serious. A number of viruses can trigger the disease, including several that can cause diarrhea.

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. Most cases in the United States are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis.

Fungal Meningitis

Fungal meningitis is much less common than the bacterial or viral forms. Healthy people rarely get it. Someone with a problem with their immune system -- because they have AIDS, for example -- is more likely to become infected with this form of meningitis.

Chronic meningitis

Slow-growing organisms (such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis — headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis.

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication.

Other meningitis causes

Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.

Risk factors for meningitis include:

Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette.

• Skipping vaccinations. Risk rises for anyone who hasn't completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule.
• Age. Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under age 20.
• Living in a community setting. College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at greater risk of meningococcal meningitis. This is probably because the bacterium is spread by the respiratory route, and spreads quickly through large groups.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis — an infection caused by listeria bacteria, which may also cause meningitis. Listeriosis increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
• Compromised immune system. AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs and other factors that affect your immune system also make you more susceptible to meningitis. Having your spleen removed also increases your risk, and anyone without a spleen should get vaccinated to minimize that risk.

Prevention of bacterial meninigitis

bacterial meningitis can be prevented with the following vaccinations:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.

Given for Children from about 2 months of age. The vaccine is also recommended for adults, those who have sickle cell disease or AIDS and those who don't have a spleen.

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

a single dose be given to children ages 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at age 16. If the vaccine is first given between ages 13 and 15, the booster is recommended between ages 16 and 18. If the first shot is given at age 16 or older, no booster is necessary.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).

For children at ages of 2 – 5, and for those who are at high risk of pneumococcal disease, chronic heart or lung disease or cancer.

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the PPSV23 vaccine for all adults over 65 years and children age 2 and older who have weak immune systems.

Prevention of Viral Meningitis

There are no vaccines available for the common kinds of viral meningitis, but washing hands thoroughly and hygeine can prevent it . Measles, Rubella and chickenpox vaccines protect children against meningitis caused by the viruses.

Preventing Fungal Meningitis

Vaccines are not available for fungal meningitis. Avoiding exposure to fungal elements can prevent it.

Steps to prevent meningitis:

• Antibiotics
• Good hygiene
• Wash your hands.
• Cover your mouth
• Not sharing food, drinks, or utensils

Possible Side effects of a meningitis vaccine

• Soreness
• redness
• burning at the injection site..