What's the difference between Viral, bacterial and fungal meningitis?
I know that they're all different types obviously, bacterial being the most severe. But what's the difference? How does it affect the meninges different and body systems etc?
Also..is meningitis just caused frm typical bacteria that just gets spread through the blood into the spinal fluid?
For example makes bacterial so much worse than viral and how can viral disappear on it's own where bacterial, treatment is necessary.
The MAIN thing I need to know is WHY bacterial is so much more harmful than viral. Like, if both affect the meninges, why is viral so much less serious?
----------
Viral meningitis can be caused by many different viruses, including common intestinal viruses and viruses associated with mumps and herpes infection. In some cases, people can get viral meningitis from drinking polluted water.
The viruses that cause meningitis are contagious, but most people who become infected don't actually develop meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears up within one to two weeks.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious and frequently fatal illness. Even treated early, it can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Some forms of bacterial meningitis such as meningococcal meningitis are highly contagious. The bacteria are spread though coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items such as eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person. Bacteria commonly identified as causing meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza, group B streptococcus (in newborns) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other less common bacteria include tuberculosis, Listeria, Staphlococcus and Salmonella.
Fungal and parasitic meningitis are relatively uncommon. Fungal meningitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system.
Viral meningitis usually doesn't require treatment, although certain types of viral meningitis such as herpes meningitis (HSV1) must be treated with antiviral agents to prevent complications or even death. Doctors often recommend bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and headache. Most people completely recover on their own.
Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated immediately to prevent serious complications and death. A number of antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial meningitis, depending on the organism causing the infection. Other medications may also be used to treat symptoms and prevent permanent damage from the disease. (
+ info)
Is there treatment for Fungal Meningitis?
Is there treatment for Fungal Meningitis?
----------
Fungal Meningitis
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Fungal (FUN-gul) meningitis (MEN-in-JIE-tis) is an infection that causes swelling and irritation of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord. It usually strikes people whose weakened immune systems can't fight off infection. The disease is not common. but it can be very serious.
Causes
This type of meningitis is caused by a fungus. It usually results from an infection that spreads to your brain from another part of your body. The infection does not pass easily from person to person.
Signs/Symptoms
Typical symptoms are headache, blurred vision, confusion, tiredness, irritability, vomiting, and a stiff neck. You may also have a fever.
Care
Medicines that fight the fungus are used to treat the disease. You may be put in the hospital for tests and care.
Risks
Left untreated, this disease can be fatal. If you don't get treatment soon enough, you could end up with brain damage (hearing loss, learning problems, difficulty talking, seizures, or paralysis).
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment during your stay.
Activity: You will rest in bed in a darkened room. You may not be allowed to have certain visitors if it is felt that you could catch a cold from them or they could catch your infection.
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
Pulse Oximeter: If you need to take oxygen, you may also be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a machine that measures the oxygen in your blood.
Neuro Signs: The doctor will check your memory and your eyes, and see how easily you awaken. These are important signs that show how well your brain is handling the infection.
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the blood.
Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for its oxygen content.
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart shows how well they are handling the illness.
Lumbar (LUM-bar) Puncture: (Also called a spinal tap.) Fluid is taken from your spine and is sent for tests.
Body fluid cultures: Blood, urine, throat, and nose fluids may be tested to help your doctor decide which medicine to give you.
CT Scan: (Also called a ""CAT'' scan.) This computerized x-ray may be used to take pictures of your brain.
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. Patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each heartbeat.
Medicines:
Anti-Fungal medicine to kill the infection may be given in your IV or by mouth.
Pain medicine may be given in your IV, as a shot, or by mouth. If the pain does not go away or comes back, tell a doctor right away.
Fever medicine such as acetaminophen will be given by mouth or in your rectum to bring your temperature down.
Anti-nausea medicine may be given to get rid of your nausea and control your vomiting so that you don't lose too much body fluid (become dehydrated).
After You Leave
If you are still taking anti-fungal medicine, continue to take it until it is all gone, even if you feel well. If you stop treatment too soon, some of the fungus may survive and give you a second bout of the illness.
If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
If you feel a medication is not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking it on your own.
No special diet is needed. Just drink about 6 to 8 glasses (soda-can sized) of water a day, even if you don't feel like it. Do not drink alcohol.
Eat healthy foods and get lots of rest.
If you still have headaches, rest in a dark, quiet room.
When you feel better, you may start your normal activities again.
For protection against other likely infections, get shots for flu and pneumonia. Stay away from anyone who has an infection.
Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating to keep from spreading germs.
Call Your Doctor If...
You have new symptoms, such as a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, that started after you began taking a medicine. You may be allergic to the drug.
You develop a high temperature while you are taking medicine.
Seek Care Immediately If...
Your symptoms come back or someone else in the family develops them.
You or someone in your family becomes confused or difficult to wake up, or has a high temperature.
You or someone in your family has seizures. (
+ info)
What causes fungal meningitis?
What causes fungal meningitis?
Please explain thoroughly.
I really need this information!!!!
Please help!
Thank you so much!
^-^
----------
Most fungi are opportunistic organisms. They don't normally cause disease in people. Typically those at risk are people whoses immune system is compromised. The classic case of funal meningitis would be Cryptococcus neoformans. This yeast that is normally found in bird droppings or nature (fruits, plants, etc) causes a devasting meningitis in HIV patients. Another fungi that are more or less commonly found in meningitis is Candida but many fungi could cause disseminated disease if the conditions are right. (
+ info)
difference between bacterial meningitis and fungal meningitis?
∾∾ Please note: the most crucial information in my comment is the following: In June of 2009, new researched-based studies proved a simple blood test can determine if a patient is predisposed to FUNGAL MENINGITIS! The test looks at the level of IgM memory B cells in the patient’s blood. Low levels indicate a predisposition to FUNGAL MENINGITIS! If you know anyone afflicted with the ailments below, PLEASE tell them to demand the test so they can begin anti-fungal meds immediately. I wish the studies had been released earlier so my sweet Mama could have avoided a year of 24/7 misery. Link to study: http://www.einstein.yu.edu/home/news.asp?id=365
✸ BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord & the fluid that surrounds the brain, it’s much more serious than VIRAL MENINGITIS (usually relatively mild & clears up in a week or two w/out specific treatment.)
✸ BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person- can cause severe disease that can result in brain damage and even death. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS can be treated with antibiotics
✸ FUNGAL MENINGITIS is an infection that causes swelling & irritation of the tissue around the brain & spinal cord. FM generally does not pass from person to person. It is more serious than BACTERIAL MENINGITIS because it cannot be treated with antibiotics & the fungus actually grows into the fabric of the tissue around the brain & spinal cord- also because FM only strikes those with weak immune systems whose bodies struggle to fight any infections, i.e.: HIV+, cancer & transplant patients.
✸ FUNGAL MENINGITIS is not common, in the U.S. only 1 in 5 million people contract it (my sweet Mama happened to be one in five million.) However, it is a leading cause of death in Africa due to rampant spread of AIDS & lack of anti-fungal meds. In the U.S., once HIV+ is diagnosed the patient is immediately put on anti-fungal meds & antiretroviral therapy for the remainder of their lives. It’s extremely uncommon for one to contract FM while on anti-fungal meds.
✸ FUNGAL MENINGITIS can develop when people with weakened immune systems come in contact with the spores (Cryptococcus neoformans) that carry the fungus. These spores are found in common soil as well as bird droppings. EVERYONE COMES IN CONTACT WITH FM DAILY- we just don’t contract it because our immune systems have not been compromised.
✸ Left untreated, this disease can be fatal. If treatment is postponed the result can be brain damage (learning problems, difficulty talking, hearing loss, seizures, or paralysis). FM is treated with anti-fungal meds. The most common drug administered to combat FM is Sporanox: Elixir first (it’s absorbed better & easier) & later by pill. My sweet Mama was treated with Sporanox. It’s horrible. According to Mama & all personal experiences I’ve read, it’s the worst taste they’ve ever come across & leaves a taste of pooh in your mouth. The same taste inhabits all food & drink which results in malnutrition & dehydration. My sweet Mama got down to 74 lbs, she’s only 5’ but that’s still itty-bitty.
✸ On a personal note: In the fall of 2008, Mama’s Lymphoma returned. The plan was to admit her Dec. 1 for 30 days to remove her stem cells- administer a week-long, uber-strong chemo cocktail then replace her stem cells. The cancer was gone by early January; however, almost every complication you have to “sign off” on, she contracted…the worst was FUNGAL MENINGITIS. After 49 days she was finally released. While at home she came in contact with FUNGAL MENINGITIS (I think the dogs had it on their paws.) She became critically ill & was re-admitted. At first they didn’t know what she had, but a spinal tap confirmed their fears. She was in ICU for 2 weeks. I spent my birthday with her in ICU thinking she would die at any moment. She pulled through, but like a person heavily striking each limb as they make the long decent, her fragile body was hit with problem-after-problem. 2009 was spent in & out of the hospital, weak, mentally-deficient, and depressed. I’d never seen my strong, determined Mama like this. Me, my Daddy & three sisters were beside ourselves- how do you help the one who’s always been the pillar? Fast-forward to today...she was taken off Sporanox in Jan. & I have to say, Mama looks fabulous (comparably speaking) she’s up to 84 lbs. & is getting’ her sassy back! We still have a long way to go, but God is good (no matter what!) & she’ll be back to her shoe-n-handbag-lovin’ self before ya know it! (
+ info)
What are the major types of meningitis?
I know there is virial, bacterial, and fungal. Are there any other types?
----------
(
+ info)
What is the testing procedure for meningitis?
If a college student comes down with meningitis, would all of the other students who took classes in those same buildings also have to get tested, even if they weren't experiencing any of the symptoms and if so, what exactly would that testing entail?
Where I go to college, something's going around that, according to my mother, who is a nurse, a possible precursor to meningitis and I was just wondering what exactly I would have to go through, as far as testing is concerned, should either any of my classmates or another person attending a class in one of the same buildings that I do comes down with meningitis.
----------
well someone would actually have to come down with meningitis for everyone to get tested. If you are concerned you can always ask the doc for a test anyway. The doctors usually look for a fever, rash, vomiting, headaches and check your lymph nodes for inflammation and ask you if you have any pain in your neck especially if you turn your neck up and down. If you have any of these early symptoms then they upgrade to a lumbar puncture to test for it. It isnt as painful as it used to be because they use anesthetics and has its risks but it can tell for sure if it is meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics, viral meningitis has to run its course out of the body. (
+ info)
What is meningitis and what are some effective ways to treat it?
I went to my doctor today and had told me that i could possibly have meningitis. My symptoms are headaches fever, tiredness, and stomach ache with vomit.
----------
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meningitis/DS00118
hope this helps. (
+ info)
What's the difference between meningitis and lyme disease?
I was recently diagnosed with lyme disease and my symptoms fit it to a T, headache, stiff neck, and all. However, my mom is worried because lyme can turn into meningitis and my neck/head are hurting worse than ever. Both have the same symptoms. Is there a way I can tell if it is meningitis without getting a spinal tap (major fear of needles...)
Thanks!
----------
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, but also physical injury, cancer or certain drugs
Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia (such as ticks) (
+ info)
How can you tell the difference between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?
I've been diagnosed with viral meningitis but I'm not sure the doctor was right since I've never gotten a spinal tap to check the fluids. I need to know if I can distinguish between the two kinds of meningitis. The faster and more informative the response, the better.
----------
When did you first become ill if it was 3 days or more ago then it is viral otherwise you would be dead. If it has been less then 3 days go to you local ER asap and tell them what your dr told you. Your dr is an idiot for saying that the only way to see if it is meningitis is to do an LP or grow blood cultures. I think what you have is viral because if it was bacterial you would not be able to be sitting on the computer.
For all you know you don't have Meningitis at all.
Good luck and i hope your feeling better soon (
+ info)
How long is a person with meningitis infectious?
I shared a bottle of drink with a friend on Tuesday, on the friday she was taken into hospital with suspected meningitis. I wanted to know how at risk I am.
----------
you're at no risk at all -- for 99% of cases.
BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! see below................
With the deadliest form of meningitis, meningococcal meningitis, there is a concern for treating close contacts (which really means household contacts, and others like you who might have had saliva contact). About 15% of those close contacts might also come down with bacterial (deadly) meningitis within the 2 weeks after contact with an active case.
But in November, you are in the middle of enterovirus season -- almost a guarantee that your friend has viral meningitis. Nothing for you to worry about.
Just ask her what KIND of meningitis the doctors said she has.
And if she truly had meningococcal meningitis, the doctors would be tracking you down for treatment, as would the public health department. (
+ info)