University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

250

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Meningitis cell wall antigen (lipopolysaccharide LPS) immune response N. meningitidis: outer membrane → high-affinity interactions → invasion into host cells IgA proteases: neutralize IgA but not all destroy bacteria meningococcaemia: release toxins damage endothelial cells, BBB, and endothelium use Factor H binding protein vulnerable spots: choroid plexus make & release toxins destroy capillary endothelial cells leaky capillary inflammation of leptomeninges triad of symptoms: photophobia, phonophobia, nuchal rigidity others: severe headaches, fever, vomiting, seizures depletes platelets & clotting factors severe bleeding in vessels blood clots H2O breakdown: dehydration release toxins: damage endothelial cells, BBB, endothelium neutrophil: 400 full → multiply areas of damage: blood-brain barrier, meninges, choroid plexus vulnerable spots: choroid plexus multiply release toxins inflammation of leptomeninges triad of symptoms: photophobia, phonophobia, nuchal rigidity others: severe headaches, fever, vomiting, seizures Diagnosis Physical Exam Ptx lays flat only leg raised with knee flex to 90° support leg & slowly straighten the knee → LP back pain → Kernig's Sign another maneuver Ptx lies flat, neck supported, flexed lift flex automatically knees or hips → Brudzinski's sign lumbar puncture → between L3 & L4 penetrate into subarachnoid space draw CSF mL → analyze for WBC, protein & glucose PCR → find specific causes (e.g. HIV, HSV, TB) Tx for bacterial: steroids than antibiotics prevent injury to leptomeninges as antibiotics destroy bacteria