What is the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis?

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I need to write a paper for my patho class and I have decided to write on bacterial meningitis and would like a clear simple answer to get me started. Anything would help! Thanks
Meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (known as "meningococcal meningitis") .
In bacterial meningitis, bacteria reach the meninges by one of two main routes: through the bloodstream or through direct contact between the meninges and either the nasal cavity or the skin. In most cases, meningitis follows invasion of the bloodstream by organisms that live upon mucous surfaces such as the nasal cavity. This is often preceded further by viral infections, which break down the normal barrier provided by the mucous surfaces. Once bacteria have entered the bloodstream, they enter the subarachnoid space in places where the blood-brain barrier is vulnerable—such as the choroid plexus. In the newborn, 25% of those with bloodstream infections due to group B streptococci experience meningitis; in adults this phenomenon is more uncommon.[1] Direct contamination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may arise from indwelling devices, skull fractures, or infections of the nasopharynx or the nasal sinuses that have formed a tract with the subarachnoid space (see above); occasionally, congenital defects of the dura mater can be identified.

The large-scale inflammation that occurs in the subarachnoid space during meningitis is not a direct result of bacterial infection but can rather largely be attributed to the response of the immune system to the entrance of bacteria into the central nervous system. When components of the bacterial cell membrane are identified by the immune system-related cells of the brain (astrocytes and microglia), they respond by releasing large amounts of cytokines, hormone-like mediators that recruit other immune cells and stimulate other tissues to participate in an immune response. The blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable, leading to "vasogenic" cerebral edema (swelling of the brain due to fluid leakage from blood vessels). Large numbers of white blood cells enter the CSF, causing inflammation of the meninges, and leading to "interstitial" edema (swelling due to fluid between the cells). In addition, the wall of the blood vessels themselves becomes inflamed (cerebral vasculitis), which leads to a decreased blood flow and a third type of edema, "cytotoxic" edema. The three different forms of cerebral edema all lead to an increased intracranial pressure; together with the lowered blood pressure often encountered in acute infection this means that it is harder for blood to enter the brain, and brain cells are deprived of oxygen and undergo apoptosis (automated cell death). Recently, there has been more evidence to suggest that a complicated network of cytokines, chemokines, proteolytic enzymes and oxidants are responsible for the entire inflammatory process which leads to necrosis (cell death). Genetic targeting and/or pharmacological blockages of these pathways may help to prevent diffuse (widespread) brain injury and therefore decrease mortality of meningitis.

It is recognized that antibiotics may initially worsen the process outlined above, by increasing the amount of bacterial cell membrane products released through the destruction of bacteria. Particular treatments, such as the use of glucocorticoids, are aimed at dampening the immune system's response to this phenomenon
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How often do you need the meningitis vaccine?

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I had the meningitis vaccine last year to go to college, except this year I am transfering to another college.
Do I need another vaccine or is one enough?
that one should be enough as long as you have written proof of it.  (+ info)

How long does bacterial meningitis germs stay on something?

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How long does bacterial meningitis stay on an abject? Like a blanket?

My nephew died 18 months ago at 3 years old of bacterial meng. meningitis, and today my son got into the memory box of his things and pulled out the blanket that my nephew was wrapped in when he passed away. I immediately had my son wash his hands. But I am still nervous about the whole thing, could there still be infectious germs on it?
I understand your apprehension but the blanket is fine, your son is safe. The different bacteria that can cause meningitis cannot live outside the body for very long. I'm truly sorry about your nephew's death.  (+ info)

How long does it take meningitis symptoms to show?

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If you have meningitis symptoms eg(sore head, sensitivity to bright lights) how long does it take to show symptoms?

Like what is the timescale in which the symptoms show? for example could you have a sore head one say and a rash would appear like a week later, or does it happen within a day or two?

i dont have meningitis just curious lol . . .
Bacterial meningitis has a very fast onset can kill withing 24 hours. When your saying a rash your talking about meningococcal meningitis which is the only form of meningitis with a rash therefor if you suspect meningitis but don't have a rash you could very well have meningitis my son had pneumococcal meningitis which is the most deadly form of meningitis that a person/child/infant can have he was deathly ill within just a few hours of getting a fever.

The symptoms come on very fast and don't come in any particular order and not everyone will have the same symptoms fer example my son never had a stiff neck.

I hope this helps  (+ info)

How dangerous is the disease biogenic meningitis in a baby?

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A close relative of mine is looking for adoption and have come across a 6 months old baby girl.
The adoption agency have informed that recently the baby had an attack of biogenic meningitis. She has recovered completely now and is healthy.
It would be of great help if someone could provide me information about the disease. I would also like to know if it has after effects and if it is a cause for concern. Also, is there any chance one can get it again later in life?
I had searched information about meningitis on internet and did not find much positive information about it.
Thanks,
SP
If she survived meningitis, that might suggest the child is otherwise very healthy. If she were not, she probably would not have survived.

The likelihood of getting meningitis does not go up or down, from having it once, any more than the chance of breaking an arm goes up or down, if you broke your arm once before. Most meningitis is caught from someone else who is sick.

As long as the 6 month baby shows all signs of developing normally, she should be just fine. Occasionally, when someone gets meningitis, it can cause some brain damage. But in a baby, that would result in the baby not showing proper developmental milestones. So if the baby babbles, looks around, smiles, grabs at things, sits up, and seems generally robust and in good spirits, then she is probably just fine to adopt. And since she survived the meningitis, you already know she has a good immune system.
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What is the portal of entry for Neisseria meningitis?

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What is the portal of entry for neisseria meningitis (in other words, how does the bacteria enter the host)?
Could you swab the portal of entry to detect the presence of the organism? Why or why not?
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How long does it take for symptoms to appear after exposure to meningitis?

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My grandfather was just diagnosed with meningitis and my mom has been going to visit with him about once a week and she has been around me and my family and I was just wondering if anyone knew how long it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure to meningitis so I will know if we are all okay.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Each of these will have different transmission and incubation profiles. The best person to ask about this is your Grandfather's doctor. Call him or her and ask.  (+ info)

What body systems does meningitis affect?

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I need to know the body systems that meningitis affects for my report. Thanks!
it's an infectious disease and it affects the meninges of the brain and it's a deadly if not treated in time.  (+ info)

Is it typical to be mean while recouperating from viral meningitis?

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My 18 year old was released from the hospital after 4 days with viral meningitis. He has always been moody but now he is being mean to those around him. Is this typical? How long do the headaches continue?
well changing of behaviour,may be he is just tired of his illness or from his headache,is he on drug now?gross changing in behavior like sudden eplosive violence or swearing or nudity in the public or any other gross acts should draw ur attention and consult ur doctor,about how long will last the headache,i dont know  (+ info)

Is there anyone who had meningitis as a child and is suffering from learning disabilities as an adult?

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I had Meningitis as a small child and have been having treble in school, work and relationships. My whole life and was only told of this when I was about 17 years old I am now 36. I would like to know how you have coped with this and how is the quality of life for you.
I had meningitis. School has been hard for me and I take alot of classes now that I am in college. It's hard sometimes for me. Real hard cuz it takes me awhile to learn things. And it makes me feel sooo stupid.
It's sad when I think about it but then I thank God cuz at least I'm here and I take it one day at a time. I know how you feel if things are hard for you. I kno trust me. Still is hard for me. I'm 23 and big words are hard for me...and most of my friends are brains and i sometimes feel small.

But on the upside pepl with a disability usually have a natural born talent. Like me I'm good with my hands and work with Art such as Drawing, sculpting, painting, photography, and cake decorating, and stained glass.

Message me sometime I'd like to talk to someone about things.  (+ info)

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