Meningococcal vaccination when given. Meningitis vaccine - is the vaccine effective?

Now there is a lot of controversy about the benefits and harms of vaccination. Opportunity to protect the child from dangerous infections is being questioned. For some reason, the undesirable consequences of vaccination are considered worse than the disease itself and its complications, although they do not happen so often. Vaccination against meningitis is not mandatory in Russia. Perhaps that is why the debate about the expediency of its implementation is not so fierce.

Meningitis is a serious disease with a risk fatality. Inflammation of the meninges rarely passes without a trace. Often it leaves behind sleep disorders, attention, irritability, headache. Serious neurological consequences (loss of hearing or vision, paralysis, seizures) are less common, but can make a person disabled.

Meningitis is a very dangerous disease.

Who is at risk for meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges in children and adults can be an independent disease or be a complication of another pathology (for example, otitis media). The causative agents of meningitis are diverse: viruses (causative agent of rubella, mumps), bacteria (meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae), fungi (Candida), protozoa (toxoplasma). The process can be localized (nasopharyngitis, carriage) or be extremely difficult with the onset of a pronounced meningeal clinic, involvement of brain tissues and the development of sepsis.

Most often, the disease affects children in early age(usually up to five years). This, of course, does not mean that adults do not get meningitis, just that it is much less common. Why do children get sick? This is due to the characteristics of immunity. Until the age of three months, the baby is protected by maternal antibodies, then his body must develop defense mechanisms on its own. By the age of five, children usually have to come into contact with carriers meningococcal infection, due to which their immune system forms antibodies against the pathogen.

Inflammation of the meninges often occurs as a complication (secondary meningitis). There are a number of pathologies, with incorrect or untimely treatment which can affect the brain and its membranes. These include rubella, mumps, measles, chicken pox. Very dangerous purulent diseases head areas. The presence of diseased teeth, otitis, sinusitis increases the risk of infection spreading into the cranial cavity.

Meningitis in young children can end sadly. There is a form of this disease, which is called fulminant. This means that the clinic is growing rapidly, the condition is rapidly deteriorating, and even the provision of qualified assistance to such children does not guarantee survival.

How to keep your child safe?

Meningitis vaccinations are given to build immunity against the main causative agents of this dangerous disease. Vaccines are designed to protect the body against Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, pneumococcus. Some other vaccinations also prevent meningitis. Thus, vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella is a good prevention of inflammation of the meninges caused by the pathogens of these diseases.

In our country, vaccination against meningococcal infection is done only for a fee at the request of parents. The vaccine is too expensive to administer to all children along with other mandatory vaccinations.

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection. In addition, this disease can threaten the child who has undergone it with persistent neurological disorders including those leading to disability.

Vaccine against hemophilic infection (Act-HIB)

This vaccine is given to children and adults. Children under the age of 5 need protection most of all; children who often suffer from bronchopulmonary diseases; as well as patients with immunodeficiency (patients with AIDS, cancer, who underwent removal of organs involved in the processes of hematopoiesis - the spleen, thymus).

Vaccine for the prevention of purulent-septic diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b

When is the best time to vaccinate? Ideally, vaccination should begin as early as possible - at three months. However, vaccinations are given later. From the age of three months and up to a year, the vaccine is administered three times in 1-2 months. Children over 1 year of age are vaccinated once. If the baby was vaccinated up to a year, revaccination is carried out 12 months after the third injection. For adults and children who have been vaccinated after a year, a second dose of the vaccine is required only in the event of an immunodeficiency.

Contraindications for vaccination:

Allergy to the components of the drug.
Poor portability previous vaccinations.
Current acute illnesses or exacerbations of chronic ones.

Undesirable effects of the vaccine are rare. These include local inflammatory response for an injection, general malaise, and allergies. The latter, by the way, is not among the most frequent post-vaccination reactions. So there is no more reason to be afraid of the vaccine than the complications of the disease against which it was developed.

Vaccine against meningococcus (Meningo A+C)

Meningococcal vaccine A+C

Meningitis, resulting from the penetration of the above pathogen into the body, often affects babies who have not even reached 1 year of age. For them, it is the most dangerous. Meningococcal meningitis often progresses very quickly, leading to severe illness and death in a matter of hours.

Vaccination is given to persons living or moving to an area where there is a high probability of contracting this infection. Vaccination of children and adults who have been in contact with a patient with meningococcal meningitis is mandatory. Vaccination is done once. In an adult, immunity lasts for a long time, and children need revaccination.

There are contraindications to the introduction of the vaccine, and they are the same as for vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae. Most frequent complications: local reaction of inflammation and increase in body temperature. An allergy to the components of the drug is possible.

Vaccine against pneumococcus (Pneumo 23)

This vaccine is given to children over two years of age and adults. Vaccination is recommended for patients with immunodeficiency states, chronic bronchopulmonary diseases. Vaccination protects not only against the occurrence of purulent meningitis, but also other pathologies caused by pneumococcus. After all, its penetration into the body often ends with the development of pneumonia, otitis or arthritis.

Vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infections

Contraindications to the use of the vaccine:

Allergy to the drug.
At the time of vaccination, the child is sick.
The previous vaccination caused severe post-vaccination complications.

In the list unwanted effects there are no special features. These are the same local general violations(inflammation in the injection area, fever, malaise), as well as allergic reactions.

Vaccinations against meningitis pathogens exist, but they can only be done for a fee, since they are not included in the vaccination calendar. These vaccinations protect against the three most common pathogens, are relatively safe (complications are rare and often limited to local reactions) and are highly efficient.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

Like any medical manipulation, vaccination has its contraindications.

Should I get vaccinated or not? This question is asked by many parents when it comes to the next vaccination. For some reason, some are sure that any vaccination is an absolute evil and brings only harm. Post-vaccination complications are considered much more dangerous than the consequences the disease itself. Although this statement is very controversial.

The meningitis vaccine prevents not only the primary inflammation of the meninges, but also other pathological conditions that can be complicated by the spread of infection in the cranial cavity. Thus, pneumococcus can cause the development of otitis media, which, when improper treatment complicated by meningitis.

When there is an opportunity to prevent a disease, it is better to use it. The consequences of meningitis can be very serious. Inflammation of the meninges sometimes ends fatally. There is no reason to underestimate the danger of the disease. Those who were not lucky enough to face him and feel the consequences, probably regretted that they had not been vaccinated in a timely manner.

No need to be afraid of vaccinations!

Many parents are afraid of the possible post-vaccination reactions and they believe that their child can do without vaccination at all. But is it really all that scary?

Post-vaccination complications can be local and general.

Complications after vaccinations:

The most dangerous of these are severe allergic reactions. Fortunately, they are extremely rare. In any case, not more often than when using other drugs. The use of any remedy is associated with a risk of developing anaphylactic shock, but no one refuses to receive treatment on this basis.
Local and general reactions for a vaccine. The appearance of redness in the injection area, an increase in body temperature are quite natural. Vaccination is the introduction into the body of the pathogen (dead or weakened), so the occurrence of malaise is normal.
After vaccination, the child is more likely to get sick. This is due to the effect of the vaccine on the immune system. The introduction of the causative agent of the disease weakens it, but only in this way is it possible to develop specific antibodies and form protection. It is impossible to vaccinate if the child is already sick or someone from his environment is sick.

In any case, the consequences of meningitis (and other infections against which one must be vaccinated) are much more serious. We should not be afraid of hypothetical complications from vaccinations, but the result of refusing them.

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that, in the absence of timely medical care, can lead to the death of the patient. The disease mainly develops in people with a weakened immune system: children, the elderly, HIV-infected, cancer patients. Therefore, many parents are interested in whether it is possible to protect the child from this disease. At present, the meningitis vaccine is the only reliable method of preventing infection. It is worth considering in more detail the features of vaccination, how necessary it is.

Why is meningitis dangerous?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord infectious genesis. The disease is characterized by rapid development - in the absence of medical care, the patient may lose sight and hearing within a day. The cause of meningitis is the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, pneumococcus into the brain with blood. In newborns, the causative agent of infection can also be coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus.

Important! Meningitis in 60% of cases is of a viral nature, in such cases infectious process provoke Coxsackie or ECHO viruses.

Source of disease

The source of infection are sick people who have clinically pronounced signs diseases, and pathogen carriers. How to identify infected patients and carriers of meningococcal disease? People who secrete meningococcus can usually be detected during a mass examination of the focus of infection, during the taking of smears from the nasopharyngeal mucosa as part of a professional examination. It is impossible to clinically determine the carrier of meningococcal infection, because the person does not have any signs of the disease.

Important! The risk of contracting meningitis in patients who have had meningitis or been vaccinated is 0.1%.

Symptoms and danger of the disease

The first symptoms of meningitis are similar to the common cold, which makes it difficult to diagnose. An infectious disease leads to an increase in body temperature, the development of a sharp headache, vomiting and nausea. In some cases on skin hemorrhagic rash appears.

The danger of meningitis lies in the possibility of developing cerebral edema and secondary encephalitis (infection of brain tissue). As a result, meningoencephalitis develops, which is characterized by severe neurological symptoms. It persists for a long time after recovery, often becoming the cause of the patient's disability.

However, the greatest danger is a brain abscess that occurs as a result of secondary bacterial meningitis against the background of pathologies of the upper respiratory tract (sinusitis, otitis media, sinusitis). Pathology provokes the development of cerebral edema, displacement of median structures. Therefore, patients need not only drug treatment but also surgical intervention.

Who needs immunization?

Infectious disease is more common in childhood associated with imperfection immune system. Meningitis is diagnosed in adults against the background of immunodeficiency states: the elderly, HIV-infected, on the background of chemotherapy. Therefore, vaccination against meningitis is indicated for such groups of patients:

Children who were born prematurely;
Children and adults who have frequent seasonal respiratory infections;
Children under 2 years of age;
Families with more than 1 child;
Children who have been artificially or mixed-fed since birth;
Patients with advanced dental pathologies;
The presence of recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis in history;
Medical staff and laboratory staff;
Children who regularly attend children's groups ( Kindergarten, groups early development, dancing);
Patients with severe immunodeficiency states (HIV-infected, cancer patients);
Conscripts and students who will live in the hostel;
People with severe cardiovascular pathologies;
Travelers and tourists who go to regions with a high probability of infection;
Patients who have had their spleen removed or have anatomical defects in the skull;
People who have been in contact with infected patients or carriers of meningococcal disease, Haemophilus influenzae.

Important! Vaccination against meningitis in children helps reduce the risk of developing acute respiratory infections. Therefore, vaccination is indicated for frequently ill babies.

On the territory of many developed countries, vaccination against meningitis has become mandatory, which has made it possible to almost completely overcome the infection. The meningitis vaccine is not included. National calendar vaccination in Russia due to the high cost of vaccine preparations. Therefore, free immunization of the population is carried out only in such cases:

The development of an epidemic, when the incidence rate exceeds 20 patients per 100 thousand people;
If a child is found in the team who is suspected of having meningitis. In this case, vaccination against meningitis is necessary for children who are in contact with him;
The patient lives in a region with a high incidence of disease;
A child with severe immunodeficiency.

In other cases, parents and patients must independently purchase vaccine preparations in the pharmacy network.

Features of vaccination

Allocate the following features immunoprophylaxis:

Haemophilus influenzae is characterized by a severe course, complications often develop. Suffer from Haemophilus influenzae mainly children 5-6 years of age. The effectiveness of the vaccine preparation reaches 95%, revaccination leads to an exponential increase in the number of antibodies;
Pneumococci cause meningitis in children under 2 years of age and in patients over 65 years of age. The disease is often combined with pneumonia. Mass immunoprophylaxis can reduce the risk of infection by 80%;
The development of meningococcal infection is observed mainly in infants under 1 year of age. The causative agent is meningococcus types A, B, C, W-1Z5, Y. Vaccination against meningococcal infection helps to form an immune response in 90% of cases, the duration of which varies from 2 to 10 years.

Types of Vaccines

There is no single vaccine against all meningitis pathogens. This is due to the characteristics of bacteria and viruses that trigger the infectious process.

Vaccines against meningococci

Vaccine preparations help to cope with meningococci of the group A, C, W-135, Y. The following vaccines are allowed in Russia:

meningococcal vaccine Russian production. Allows protection against meningococcal serotypes A and C, but does not prevent the development of purulent meningococcal infection. Allowed to use from 1.5 years, after 3 years revaccination is required;
Meningo A + C French production. The drug prevents the development of cerebrospinal meningitis. Widely used in adults and children over 1.5 years of age;
Mencevax ACWY (Belgium). The drug reduces the risk of developing a meningococcal infection caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y. It is allowed to use for vaccination of children over 2 years old and adults;
Menactra (USA). Vaccination allows you to create immunity to pathogens that are included in serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 in children older than 2 years and adults under 55 years of age.

Vaccines against meningococcal infection are produced in the form of a dry substance, which should be diluted immediately before administration with a solvent. The drug is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

The vaccine preparation ACT-HIB, approved in Russia, will help prevent the development of hemophilic infection. It is created on the basis of particles of the cell wall of the pathogen. The vaccine is produced in the form of a lyophilizate - a dry powder. Immediately before administration, the drug is diluted with a solvent or other vaccine preparation. Quite often, Tetracoccus is used, which is aimed at creating immunity in a child to whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and tetanus.

The meningitis vaccine is given intramuscularly in the thigh or upper arm. The drug is well tolerated, allows you to reliably protect against hemophilic infection.

Vaccines for pneumococcal meningitis

In our country, the following vaccine preparations are widely used:

Pneumo 23 (France). The vaccine is given to children after 2 years, allows you to create immunity for 10 years;
Prevenar 13. The drug is used in children from 2 months to 5 years of age. For lifelong immunity, 4 injections are enough. Vaccinations are given free of charge to children who are among the frequently ill.

Vaccination Schedule

Newborns who are breastfed are protected from Haemophilus influenzae infection thanks to the antibodies that come with mother's milk. Therefore, vaccinations against meningitis are carried out in children older than 3 months. In this case, the following immunization schemes are used

If vaccination is started at 3 months, then 3 vaccinations are indicated with an interval of 1.5 months. Revaccination is carried out at 1.5 years. Injections are usually combined with the introduction of the DTP vaccine, Tetracoccus;
If the start of vaccination occurs at 6 months, then 2 vaccinations with an interval of 1.5 months are sufficient. Revaccination is carried out 12 months after the last injection;
For children after a year and people with immunodeficiency, the vaccine is administered once.

The Prevenar vaccine is administered to a child according to the following scheme:

3 months;
4.5 months;
6 months;
Revaccination at 1.5 years.

The vaccine preparation Pneumo-23 is administered once to a child older than 2 years.

When is vaccination contraindicated?

Vaccination against meningitis is carried out not only for healthy people, but also for patients who have a mild form of the disease. However, vaccination should be abandoned in the following situations:

Acute infectious diseases accompanied by elevated temperature body;
Exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
The presence of allergic reactions to other vaccine preparations.

Possible adverse reactions

Meningitis vaccines are usually well tolerated. However, in some patients, vaccination provokes the following side effects:

Weakness;
Redness at the injection site, the development of painful swelling;
Fever in rare cases;
Severe allergy accompanied by swelling oral cavity, shortness of breath, tachycardia, shortness of breath, pale skin, urticaria;
Possibly exacerbation chronic diseases.

Most adverse reactions do not require special drug therapy. However, with the development of allergies, the patient needs to take antihistamine, with severe symptoms, you need to call an ambulance.

Features of the prevention of meningitis in the focus of infection

On the territory of Russia, school-age children are recommended a single injection of immunoglobulin to prevent meningitis. The injection must be done within a week after contact with a sick or carrier of the infection. To prevent the occurrence of secondary meningitis, it is recommended that the child be vaccinated within 5 days after contact with infected people.

Refuse to swim in unknown water bodies;
Avoid large cluster of people;
Wash hands with soap before eating, after walking, traveling by public transport;
Carry out regularly wet cleaning indoors;
Use only high-quality drinking water;
Conduct a thorough processing of products before use.

Do children need vaccinations?

Parents should decide for themselves whether their child needs to be vaccinated. To make the right choice, you need to consider.

meningitis vaccine– an injection that forms a stable immunization against meningococcal diseases and meningitis caused by a bacterium Neisseria meningitides.

Why is the meningitis vaccine needed?

Vaccination against meningitis helps to avoid the disease, etiological factor which is a meningococcal infection, or menningococcemia, in most cases lead to meningitis in children, and then can infect the circulatory system. Patients with this disease are usually in extremely serious condition, especially young children. In some countries, it is not recommended to vaccinate against meningococcal meningitis, but to treat this infectious disease with antibiotic therapy. Especially, it is forbidden to administer the vaccine to children under 2 years of age, and only in extreme cases is this possible.

The course of meningococcal meningitis is somewhat different from meningitis in children receiving the vaccine. In the early 90s, Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) was the main cause of bacterial meningitis. However, vaccines given to children for routine immunization have reduced the incidence of diseases from H.influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae leaving meningococcus Neisseria meningitides basic etiological cause occurrence of bacterial meningitis.

The meningococcal vaccine contains inactivated strains of bacteria that cannot cause disease. This vaccine is effective against 4-5 subtypes of meningococcal meningitis. The dose-effect of one injection to a child lasts up to 4-5 years. When immunized with a vaccine, side effects are extremely rare. There may be local hyperemia of the skin at the injection site, which disappears after 1-2 days. An allergic reaction to the vaccine is also possible.

How is the meningitis vaccine given?

children aged 2 years and older living in an area with outbreaks of this disease;
college students who live indoors, drink alcohol, are active and passive smokers;
individuals with certain chronic conditions, including damage to the spleen or immune system;
persons arriving from places where meningococcal diseases are typical for the area (for example: West Africa);
family or its individual members who have had contact with meningococcal infection (for the purpose of prevention, all other family members take antibiotic therapy);
doctors and laboratory assistants, at risk of this disease.

Contraindications for meningitis vaccination

Vaccination against meningitis is allowed in children with mild illness at the time of injection. Children with moderately severe diseases can only be vaccinated after they have fully recovered. Babies 2 years and older are given one dose of the drug once, while children from 3 months to 2 years need to receive one dose of the drug 2 times (the time between injections is 3 months).

Immunization should be delayed if the child has any acute illness. Pregnant women are forbidden to be vaccinated, because. meningococcal vaccine adversely affects the fetus. These are direct contraindications for vaccination against meningitis.

Side effects of the meningitis vaccine

In vaccinated children, mild side effects of the meningitis vaccine may occur - weakness, flushing, or painful swelling of the skin at the injection site. Usually, these symptoms disappear after 1-2 days. A small percentage of patients who receive the vaccine develop a fever. The meningococcal vaccine, like any other vaccine, rarely causes severe

Article last updated: May 09, 2018

Is your child complaining of a severe headache? Him skin rash? Your child may have meningitis! What is meningitis? How does it proceed and how is it treated? How to prevent a terrible disease, and what measures to take to counteract the virus? Is there a meningitis vaccine? Read on to learn more about meningitis and how to protect your baby. Parents try to do everything possible to ensure their children's health and safety. However, sometimes uncontrollable circumstances arise in the form of diseases that can threaten the baby. One of the childhood diseases that many parents suffer from is meningitis. Meningitis vaccination is mandatory for children.

Pediatrician, gastroenterologist

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain, spinal cord, and brain.

Meningitis targets the meninges group of three the most important membranes (hard, arachnoid and soft shells) that cover the brain. These shells, in addition to the spinal column and the skull itself, represent an additional barrier between all kinds of environmental factors (trauma, infection) and the central nervous system.

In addition to these 3 membranes, one of the main defenders is the cerebrospinal fluid. Especially when it comes to the optimal function of the spinal cord and brain. This fluid, clear and colorless, helps protect the brain from damage.

In addition, cerebrospinal fluid removes metabolic products and performs a transport function that involves the delivery of nutrients to various areas of the CNS (central nervous system).

At immediate response meningitis is successfully treated. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated regularly, be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, and contact a specialist immediately if you suspect meningitis in your child.

Causes and forms of meningitis

The term "meningitis" is just a definition of inflammation of the meninges. There are various agents that cause disease.

Different types of meningitis have been identified, each with its own causes, risk factors, and side effects.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is very serious, different severe course and can be fatal. Death can occur in just a few hours. Most children recover from meningitis. However, permanent impairments (hearing loss, brain damage, and cognitive impairment) sometimes occur due to infection.

Types of pathogens

There are several types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. The leading causes are the following pathogens:

Pneumococcus. Pneumococcal meningitis can occur when the bacterium invades the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and replicates within the fluid surrounding the spine and brain.Pneumococcal bacteria do not always cause meningitis. Most often they provoke other diseases: ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, bacteremia (this is when the bacterium is detected in the bloodstream).
Streptococcus group B.Group B streptococcus bacteria lives in the throat, intestines of at least 30% of the population and up to 40% of pregnant women without causing any disease. Most infections caused by these bacteria occur in children under 3 months of age, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 1,000 births. If the mother is a carrier, there is a 50% chance that her baby will be infected before or during delivery.Generally, mothers are immune to the group B strep serotypes they carry and pass antibodies to the baby during the last eight weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, there are less than one percent of term infants who carry group B streptococcus and subsequently develop associated meningitis or other severe infections. Babies born prematurely (especially those born before 32 weeks) do not receive maternal antibodies and are at significantly greater risk.Group B streptococcus infection in newborns is a serious condition, with a mortality rate of up to 20%, with many survivors retaining permanent brain damage.
Meninococcus. Neisseria meningitides is a meningococcal bacterium little known to most parents. But this significant reason severe childhood infections.In fact, meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and can lead to outbreaks and epidemics. This sometimes leads to meningococcemia, a serious and life-threatening blood infection.With this infection, children may develop a fever and a skin rash (red or purple patches). Symptoms can worsen quickly, often within 12 to 24 hours. The condition becomes very severe, and about 10 - 15% of sick children die even with proper treatment.The fact that invasive meningococcal disease often affects previously healthy children and worsens quickly (making it difficult to diagnose) makes this disease all the more frightening.Risk factors include recent exposure to a case of meningococcal meningitis and a recent upper respiratory tract infection.
Haemophilus influenzae. Before the vaccination period, Haemophilus influenzae type B was the main causative agent of meningitis. bacterial etiology in children under 5 years of age. Since a vaccine has become available, this type of meningitis is much less common in children.Haemophilus influenzae meningitis can occur after an upper respiratory tract infection. The infection usually travels from the lungs and respiratory tract to the blood, then to the brain area.
Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes are commonly found in soil, dust, water, wastewater; in unpasteurized cheeses (such as brie, mozzarella and blue cheese) and in raw vegetables. These bacteria also enter the body through contaminated water or food. Foods contaminated with Listeria can cause outbreaks of meningitis.Meningitis caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes occurs most often in newborns, the elderly, and those with long-term illnesses or those with compromised immune systems.

Common Causes of Bacterial Meningitis

Common causes of bacterial meningitis vary by age group:

newborns: group B streptococcus, pneumococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli;
infants and children: pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, group B streptococcus;
adolescents: meningococcus, pneumococcus.

Risk factors

Age. Babies are susceptible increased risk bacterial meningitis compared with children of other ages. But children of all ages can develop this form of meningitis.
Environment. infectious diseases often spread where large groups of people are concentrated. AT preschool institutions and schools are reporting outbreaks of meningitis caused by meningococcus.
certain medical conditions. There are some medical conditions, medicines and surgical procedures that put children at increased risk for meningitis.

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis and most children get better without treatment.

It is very important that a child with meningitis symptoms be seen by a doctor right away because some types of meningitis can be very serious and only the doctor can tell if the child has the disease, what type of meningitis it is, and prescribe optimal treatment which is often life-saving.

Types of viral infections

Infants younger than 1 month old and immunocompromised children are more likely to get viral meningitis.

Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common culprit in viral meningitis, especially during the late spring to autumn period when these viruses are most prevalent. However, only a small number of children infected with enteroviruses actually develop meningitis.
Mumps. Mumps is extremely contagious viral infection salivary glands which most often affects children. by the most obvious symptom is edema of the salivary glands, due to which the patient's face becomes similar to the muzzle of a guinea pig.Sometimes the mumps virus can also cause inflammation of the testicle, ovary, or pancreas.Meningitis can occur if the mumps virus spreads to the outer protective layer of the brain. This is about 1 out of 7 cases of mumps.
Herpesviruses (herpes simplex viruses and chickenpox). The herpes virus leads to meningitis in rare cases. But given that nearly 80% of people contract some form of herpes, meningitis is more likely to occur than expected.
measles virus. The measles virus is highly contagious and lives in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. infected person. It can be spread to others through coughs and sneezes. In addition, the virus can live up to two hours in the airspace where an infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe polluted air or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with their hands, they can become infected.Meningitis is one of severe complications measles.
Influenza virus. There are many different influenza viruses, and in any given year, some are more prevalent than others. Influenza infections are more likely to occur during "flu season," which runs roughly from October to May.Children under 5 years of age, especially those under 2 years of age, are at risk of severe complications when they become infected and develop the flu. Each year, about 20,000 children under 5 years of age are hospitalized with flu complications such as pneumonia. Influenza-induced meningitis is rare, but it does occur.
Arboviruses (West Nile virus). West Nile virus is a virus that is most common among humans through mosquito bites.Meningitis is one of the serious diseases caused by this virus, along with encephalitis and meningoencephalitis.

At-risk groups

A child can get viral meningitis at any age. However, some children have a higher risk. This is:

children under 5 years old;
children with weakened immune systems caused by diseases, drugs (chemotherapy), or after a recent organ or bone marrow transplant.

Babies under 1 month of age and immunocompromised children are more likely to develop severe illness.

Fungal meningitis

This type of meningitis is rare and is usually caused by a fungus that spreads through the blood to the spinal cord. Anyone can get fungal meningitis. People who are immunocompromised (HIV-positive or with cancer) are at increased risk.

The most common culprit in fungal meningitis in immunocompromised people is Cryptococcus.

Certain illnesses, medications, and surgical procedures weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection with a fungus, sometimes leading to meningitis. Premature babies with critically low birth weights are at increased risk of blood infection with Candida, which can invade the brain.

The larvae can be found in raw or undercooked protein sources (e.g. freshwater fish, chicken, pigs) or contaminated water. In rare cases, the larvae can directly enter the skin of people who are exposed to contaminated food sources or fresh water.

Meningitis is a condition that is not to be taken lightly. Because of the potential complications and pain that this disease brings, it's normal to wonder: Is meningitis contagious?

The contagiousness of meningitis is determined by the type of meningitis that the patient has.

contagious meningitis

There are 2 types of contagious meningitis - bacterial and viral etiology. Viral meningitis is highly contagious because the viruses responsible for the disease are passed from person to person or through contact with an infected surface.

Enteroviruses, responsible for the vast majority of cases of viral meningitis, are present in the feces, sputum, and saliva of infected people. This means that touching or coming into contact with any of these secretions can trigger viral meningitis.

Just like viral, bacterial meningitis is contagious, especially if there have been cases of prolonged contact with a sick person. However, if the child is near a sick person without close contact, the risks of infection are reduced.

The bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are usually found in the mucus and saliva of an infected individual.

Bacteria can be transmitted through:

kisses;
exchange of dishes (glasses / cups);
coughing or sneezing.

Eating food contaminated with bacteria increases the risk of developing bacterial meningitis.

Noncontagious types of meningitis

Fungal meningitis does not spread from person to person. This form of meningitis develops when fungus travels through the bloodstream to the brain from another area in the body or from an infected area near it.

A child can develop fungal meningitis after taking medications that weaken their immune system. Perhaps it will be steroids (prednisolone), drugs used after organ transplants, sometimes prescribed for the treatment of autoimmune conditions.

Meningitis as a result of a fungal infection occurs from an infection that spreads to the spinal cord. Unlike other fungi that are common in the soil, Candida, a potential causative agent of meningitis, is usually acquired in a hospital.

Noninfectious meningitis is not contagious because it is usually triggered by conditions such as lupus or cancer, brain surgery. Also, meningitis can develop due to a head injury or after taking certain medications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of meningitis vary depending on age and the cause of the infection.

General symptoms:

increase in body temperature;
lethargy;
irritability;
pain, dizziness;
sensitivity to light;
rigidity (immobility, stiffness) of the neck muscles;
skin rash.

Infants with meningitis may have different symptoms. The crumbs can be very irritable and, conversely, sleepy, have a reduced appetite. You may find it difficult to calm the baby, even if you pick him up and rock him to sleep. They may also have a fever or a fontanel that protrudes above the level of the bones of the skull.

Other symptoms of meningitis in infants may include:

yellowish skin tone;
stiffness of the muscles of the body and neck;
temperature is below normal;
sluggish sucking;
loud piercing scream.

Diagnostics

Based on the history of the disease (history) and examination, if meningitis is suspected, the doctor will suggest specific tests to further help in the diagnosis.

Tests include blood tests for signs of infection and possible presence of bacteria, brain scans (such as CT or MRI scans), and examination of cerebrospinal fluid.

A lumbar puncture is the most common way to obtain a sample of fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal for examination. It is called a "lumbar puncture" because the needle is inserted into that part of the back. The needle is passed between the bony parts of the spine until it reaches the cerebrospinal fluid. Then a small amount of liquid is withdrawn and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid is usually necessary for a definitive diagnosis and helps make optimal treatment decisions (eg, choosing the appropriate antibiotic).

Diagnosis is confirmed by examination of the spinal fluid and, in the case of infection, by identification of the organism causing the disease.

In patients with meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid is often low level glucose and an increased number of leukocytes.

In addition, the liquid can be used to identify some viral causes meningitis or can be used to culture bacterial organisms that cause meningitis.

Treatment

When a specialist suspects a child has meningitis, they are likely to prescribe antibiotics. a wide range actions for the treatment of potential non-viral types of infectious meningitis. Once the doctor determines whether the meningitis is viral, bacterial, or fungal, the doctor will provide more specific treatment.

Treatment of meningitis of viral etiology

Antibiotic therapy will not cope with the virus.

If a child is found to have viral meningitis, they will be spared any antibiotic therapy you may have taken before.

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, which is often mild.

Typically, children recover from viral meningitis in seven to ten days. Treatment consists of rest, antipyretic/pain medication, and proper fluid intake.

However, if your child's meningitis is caused by the herpes virus or the flu, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs affecting these specific pathogens.

For example, the antiviral drugs Ganciclovir and Foscarnet are sometimes used to treat cytomegalovirus meningitis in immunocompromised children (from HIV/AIDS or other problems), in infants born with an infection, or in those who are seriously ill.

In some cases, acyclovir is approved for use in the treatment of meningitis due to the herpes simplex virus, although in most cases it has a positive effect only when administered very early.

Influenza can be treated with one of the licensed antivirals (such as Perimivir or Oseltamivir).

Treatment of bacterial meningitis

If a child has bacterial meningitis, they will be treated with one or more antibacterial drugs aimed at the causes that cause this particular infection.

cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefotaxime and ceftriaxone (for pneumococcus and meningococcus);
ampicillin (a drug of the penicillin class) for Haemophilus influenzae type B and Listeria monocytogenes;
vancomycin for penicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and pneumococcus.

A number of other antibiotics can also be used, such as Meropenem, Tobramycin, and Gentamicin.

Ciprofloxacin and Rifampicin are sometimes given to family members who have patients with a bacterial type of meningitis to protect them from infection.

Treatment options for fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is treated with long courses antifungal drugs in high doses. These drugs are often part of the azole antifungal class, such as fluconazole, which is used to treat Candida albicans infections.

Alternatively, the antimicrobial agent Miconazole and the antibacterial Rifampicin can be used.

In addition to the above medications, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation.

Treatment of other types of meningitis

Non-infectious meningitis caused by an allergy or autoimmune disease can be treated with corticosteroids.

Cancer-related meningitis requires therapy for the individual type of cancer.

Prevention of meningitis

The most effective way to protect a child from certain types bacterial meningitis is immunization.

Today, the meningitis vaccine for children is gaining popularity. There are three types of vaccines against bacterial meningitis, some of which are recommended for children as young as 2 months old.

Meningococcal vaccines

This vaccine protects against the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.

Although there has been a meningococcal vaccine since the 1970s, it was not very popular because its protection did not last long. Fortunately, new meningococcal vaccines are now available that offer better and longer lasting protection.

There are currently two types of meningococcal vaccine available to children:

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine provides protection against four types meningococcal bacteria (called types A, C, W, and Y). Recommended for all children.
The serogroup B meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal type 5. This is a fairly new type and not yet recommended as routine vaccination for healthy people, but it may be given to some children and adolescents (ages 16 to 23) who are at high risk for meningococcal infections.

Inoculation with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended:

children 11 - 12 years old, with a booster (enhanced dose) received at 16 years old;
adolescents 13-18 years of age who have not previously been immunized;
those who received their first vaccine between the ages of 13 and 15. They should receive a booster dose between 16 and 18 years of age. Adolescents who receive their first vaccine after age 16 do not need a booster dose.

The full series of meningococcal conjugate vaccines should be given to children and adolescents at greatest risk of meningococcal disease, including those who:

lives or travels in countries where the disease is common if they are present at the time of the outbreak;
has certain immune disorders.

If the immune disorders are chronic, these children also need a booster dose several years after the first vaccine, depending on the age at which the first vaccine is given.

The sequence and dosage will depend on the age of the child.

Children 10 years of age and older with these risk factors should receive the full series of serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for the vaccine is 16 to 18 years of age. Depending on the brand, two or three doses are required.

Children at increased risk of meningococcal disease (children without a spleen or with certain medical indications) should receive the vaccine starting as early as 2 months. Some of the frequent side effects- Swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. Also possible headache, fever or fatigue. Severe problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare.

When to delay or exclude immunization

the child is currently ill, although mild colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization;
the child had a strong allergic reaction previous dose of meningococcal vaccine, DTP vaccine.

If your child has or has had an episode of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a nervous system disease that causes progressive weakness), talk to your doctor about immunizations.

Evidence suggests that protection from meningococcal conjugate vaccines declines in many adolescents within 5 years. This highlights the importance of a booster dose at age 16 so that children remain protected at an age when they are most at risk for meningococcal disease. Early data on serogroup B meningococcal vaccines suggest that protective antibodies also decline quite rapidly after vaccination.

pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevenar 13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal infections that cause meningitis.

PCV13 provides protection against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause the most common childhood infections. PPSV23 protects against 23 species. These vaccines not only prevent disease in children who are immunized, but also help stop the spread.

Prevenar 13 can be given regularly to infants and children 2 to 59 months of age to protect them from the 13 subtypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that cause invasive pneumococcal disease, including meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections.

It may also protect children from ear infections caused by these 13 subtypes of Streptococcus bacteria.

Prevenar 13 is usually given as a three-dose series (as part of a routine vaccination schedule) with primary doses over two and four months and a booster over 12 to 15 months.

A separate group of children 2 years of age and older may also need an injection of PCV13. For example, if there was a missed one or more vaccinations, or if there was a chronic disease (heart disease, lung disease), or something that weakens the immune system (asplenia, HIV infection). The doctor can decide when and how often a child should get PCV13.

PPSV23 immunization is recommended as additional protection against pneumococcus in children 2 to 18 years of age who have certain chronic conditions, including heart, lung or liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or cochlear implants.

Pneumococcal vaccine should not be given to children with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine. The safety of pneumococcal vaccine in pregnant women has not yet been established. There is no evidence that the vaccine is harmful to the mother or fetus. However, pregnant women should consult a specialist before getting vaccinated. Women at high risk should be vaccinated before pregnancy if possible.

The pneumococcal vaccine does not usually cause side effects. Reported adverse effects include soreness and/or redness at the injection site, fever, rashes, and allergic reactions.

Studies conducted several years after PCV13 was licensed showed that a single dose of PCV13 protected 8 out of every 10 children from disease caused by vaccine serotypes, and this protection was similar among children with and without risk factors. The vaccine is also effective in preventing pneumococcal disease caused by antibiotic-resistant serotypes.

Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

The vaccine provides protection against a severe bacterial infection that mainly affects infants and children under 5 years of age. These bacteria can cause epiglottitis (severe swelling in the throat that makes breathing difficult), a serious form of pneumonia, and bacterial meningitis.

Haemophilus influenzae causes death in 1 in 20 children and permanent brain damage in 20% of survivors.

Thanks to the vaccine, the incidence has decreased by almost 99%. The cases that do occur are mostly in children who were not given the vaccine or who were too young to be immunized.

3 months;
4.5 months;
6 months;
18 months.

The vaccine should not be given to children under 6 weeks of age.

Also, tell your doctor if your child has had a severe allergic reaction. Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose or had a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine should not be vaccinated.

For children who are moderately or severely ill, immunization should be delayed until recovery.

Studies show that almost all (93-100%) children are protected against Hib after receiving the primary series of vaccines.

After receiving the primary series, antibody levels decrease and for children aged 12 to 15 months, an additional dose is required to maintain protection in early childhood.

Most children who receive the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine do not have any problems with it. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. They are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.

Minor problems after vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae usually do not appear. If they occur, they usually start shortly after the injection. They can last up to 2 or 3 days and include redness, swelling, warmth at the injection site, and fever.

As with any vaccine, the effectiveness of vaccinations that protect against the above bacteria is not one hundred percent. Vaccines also do not provide protection against all types of every bacterium. Therefore, there is still a chance that a child can get bacterial meningitis, even if he was vaccinated.

Prevention of viral meningitis

There are no vaccines to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common culprits in viral meningitis.

You can take the following steps to reduce your child's risk of contracting non-polio enteroviruses or spreading them to others:

Frequent hand washing with soap, especially after using the toilet, after coughing or blowing your nose.
Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, sharing cups, or sharing utensils with people who are sick.
It is important to clean and disinfect children's toys, door handles, especially if someone in the family is sick.
If a child is sick, he must stay at home.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insect vectors that can infect people.

Some vaccinations may protect against certain diseases(measles, mumps, rubella and influenza), which provoke the development of viral meningitis. Make sure your child is vaccinated on schedule.

There are many other types of viral meningitis for which vaccines have not yet been developed. Fortunately, viral meningitis is usually not as serious as bacterial meningitis.

Thus, despite its seriousness, meningitis is a disease that can be prevented. And the measures taken in advance are crucial.

Meningitis is a severe infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It occurs both independently and against the background of other infectious diseases.

No one is safe from meningitis, but children under 5 years old, young people aged 16 to 25 years old and older people over 55 years old are at risk. Meningitis is severe most often in children and can lead to irreversible consequences, and in some cases to death. The disease affects the brain, therefore, with improper treatment, a person remains disabled. Most often from severe consequences newborns suffer, in adults meningitis is not so acute and is quickly treated.

Depending on the causes of meningitis, it can be bacterial, fungal or viral. The most complex form of the disease is bacterial meningitis. Type inflammatory process distinguish between purulent and serous meningitis. Serous meningitis is divided into two types: primary and secondary. The primary form of meningitis occurs due to low immunity and damage by various enteroviruses. The secondary form of the disease occurs after an infectious disease: measles, mumps, chickenpox and others.

Tuberculous meningitis is caused by the tubercle bacillus. Previously, this disease was not treated and the person died. Modern medicine is able to cure tuberculous meningitis, only 15-25% of all cases are fatal. Cryptococcal meningitis is a form of fungal meningitis. The process of inflammation of the brain and spinal cord is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus. Encephalitic meningitis - this type of disease begins when an encephalitis infection enters the body. It is transmitted through the bite of a tick or through the consumption of raw milk from an infected animal.

Causes of meningitis

The main cause of meningitis is viruses or bacteria that enter the soft shells brain and spinal cord. In adults, the most common bacterial meningitis is caused by streptococcus and meningococcus bacteria. If they are in the nasal cavity or throat, the disease does not develop, but in case of infection of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, soft tissues of the brain, they provoke meningitis.

Among the causes of meningitis are other types of bacteria. This is group B streptococcus, which often affects newborns infected during or after childbirth. The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can cause meningitis in infants and the elderly. After suffering an infectious disease, a person can get meningitis, as his immunity is weakened and cannot resist bacteria. People with and are especially susceptible to this disease. Various injuries heads can cause meningitis.

Ways of transmission of meningitis

A topical issue among patients is whether meningitis is transmitted by airborne droplets, like most infectious diseases. The answer to this question depends on the cause of the disease. So, if meningitis develops as a result of internal processes occurring in the brain, it is not contagious to others and is not transmitted. In the case when the disease is provoked by the penetration of a microorganism-causative agent into the membrane of the brain, meningitis is transmitted by airborne droplets.

It is characteristic that meningitis is transmitted from person to person not only in the way that is traditionally accepted when infected with infectious diseases. Infection with meningitis, in addition to the airborne route, can be food way or any contact with a carrier of the disease. In this case, the ways of contracting a disease such as meningitis are varied: sneezing, coughing, kissing, using shared dishes, household items, staying in the same room with a sick person for a long time.

Prevent the transmission of meningitis healthy person You can strictly adhere to the rules of prevention of infectious diseases and personal hygiene. This may include: wearing a medical mask in crowded places during outbreaks, avoiding prolonged exposure to public places a. It also necessarily includes the complete cessation of contact with the carrier of the infection for the period of its treatment.

However, if infection nevertheless occurred, it is important to know that self-medication will not bring relief, but will only contribute to the development of complications. In order to quickly get rid of the disease of meningitis, at the first symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor. With qualified diagnosis and correct treatment, it will recede irrevocably.

Symptoms of meningitis

The symptoms of meningitis develop quickly and are easy to spot right away. The temperature rises sharply to 40 degrees, there is pain in the muscles, joints, there is general weakness and lethargy. Among characteristic symptoms meningitis in adults is distinguished by the formation of a rash, runny nose and sore throat, as with a cold, pneumonia, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, disruption of the salivary glands.

One of the most pronounced and common signs of meningitis is an acute headache that spreads to the entire area. The pain is growing and unbearable. Then nausea and severe vomiting. The patient does not tolerate sound and light stimuli.

Symptoms of meningitis appear in all patients in varying degrees. They usually have a lot of stress. neck muscles. Man feels severe pain when tilting the head to the chest and straightening the legs at the knees. To relieve symptoms, the patient lies in a certain position. The person lies on his side, throwing his head back strongly, presses his hands to his chest, and bends his legs at the knees and presses him to his stomach.

Symptoms of meningitis in children are the same as in adults, but may be additional features illness. Among them are: diarrhea and regurgitation of food, drowsiness, apathy and weakness, constant crying and loss of appetite, swelling in the fontanel. Meningitis develops rapidly, at the first sign you can not hesitate and immediately go to the hospital. Incubation period illness is from 2 to 10 days. The signs of meningitis are very similar to the usual or. The rate of development of the disease depends on the level of immunity of the child: the lower it is, the faster it affects the body.

One day after the onset of the first symptoms, the person's condition becomes critical. The patient may become delusional, there is apathy and drowsiness, irritability. The swelling of the tissues of the meninges begins, which makes it difficult for blood to flow to the organs and tissues, as in a stroke. With untimely help, a person falls into a coma and quickly dies.

Aseptic meningitis

Aseptic meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, provoked in the human body, most often by a viral type pathogen. This disease can develop in patients of all age categories.

Usually, a disease such as aseptic meningitis is diagnosed and treated fairly quickly. However, for the timely diagnosis of the disease, it is necessary to know and understand the causes of the disease and the signs of its manifestation. This is what will be discussed in this article.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The main cause of aseptic meningitis in the human body is the causative microorganism. In this case, a virus (enterovirus) acts as the causative agent of the disease.

The penetration of the virus into the human body is carried out by the traditional, airborne or food way upon contact with the carrier. Then, penetrating through the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract or upper respiratory tract and palatine tonsils into the blood, enteroviruses spread throughout the body. With weakened defensive reaction organism, pathogens transported by the circulatory system penetrate the membranes of the brain or spinal cord and provoke the development of the disease.

As mentioned above, enteroviruses are the cause of the disease in most cases. As for the causes that, in addition to viral microorganisms, lead to aseptic meningitis, then, by nature of origin, they can be divided into two categories - infectious and non-infectious.

As for non-infectious causes of the disease, these include previously suffered injuries or diseases, due to which aseptic meningitis may develop. These include: infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, tumors, concussions and injuries, exposure to chemotherapy drugs.

A feature of the aseptic type of the disease is, in particular, that the bacteria and viruses that provoked the disease are extremely difficult to detect by conventional methods. This presents some difficulty, but is not an unsolvable problem. Rather, on the contrary, it narrows the range of possible diseases for diagnosis.

Signs of aseptic meningitis

Symptoms of a disease such as aseptic meningitis appear quite clearly and are the first persistent signal that you should immediately consult a doctor. It is extremely important to remember that such a dangerous and fraught disease must be treated on early stages. And for this you need to respond in a timely manner to the signs manifested by the disease.

First of all, you should pay attention to general indicators health status. Usually, they are subject to the following changes:

a significant and rapid increase in temperature;
state of fever, chills;
throbbing headache.

More specific signs, characteristic of other types of meningitis, in the aseptic form appear rather weakly and develop at a slow pace. But, nevertheless, their presence can be traced.

The main symptom of the development of any form of meningitis is meningeal syndrome. It manifests itself if the patient laid on his back cannot tilt his head to his chest without bending his knees. Moreover, the bending of the legs occurs uncontrollably.

The danger of this type of disease lies precisely in the fact that the specific signs of meningitis appear 4-5 days after the onset of the disease, which can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, in the presence of high fever, mild meningeal syndrome, headache and fever, one should not wait for further symptomatic confirmation.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is an infectious disease, expressed in inflammation of the tissues of the spinal cord and brain, and provoked in the body by bacteria of the streptococcal group. The prevalence of this disease is quite insignificant, but the disease can easily be transmitted from person to person and cause epidemics among the population.

This type of disease has its own characteristics of occurrence (causes), symptoms, manifestations and methods of treatment, different from other forms of meningitis. This is exactly what will be discussed in this article.

In addition to the genetic predisposition of some peoples to develop meningitis, there are also reasons why this disease can affect the body of each patient. These include the state of health and age of the patient, as well as external pathogens.

Bacterial meningitis, like any other form of this disease, is provoked in the human body when the pathogen enters it. In the case of the form of the disease discussed in this article, the role of such a pathogen is played by harmful bacteria of the streptococcal group.

Bacterial meningitis is transmitted, like any infectious disease, by traditional, airborne or foodborne routes. This happens, as a rule, upon contact with the carrier of the infection through a handshake, kiss, sneezing or common utensils and household items, which by itself suggests the need for strict adherence to personal hygiene rules.

The penetration of streptococcus bacteria into the body does not end the process of infection and the development of the disease. Moreover, once transmission has taken place, there are two scenarios: meningitis and no meningitis.

The fact is that for the development of the disease, appropriate conditions are needed. In the case of meningitis, these are: a weakened immune system and a through reaction of the body. Only with such additional factors, harmful bacteria-causative agents of the disease penetrate the bloodstream and are transported to the brain. Therefore, in the presence of chronic diseases, bad habits or taking a course of therapies that adversely affect immunity, the chance of getting meningitis increases significantly. This also explains the high susceptibility of patients to the disease. younger age.

Amoebic (encephalitic) meningitis

Amebic or encephalitic meningitis is dangerous inflammation meninges, which is provoked by small free-living amoebae, quite often over a long period of time, living in the human body.

The disease usually affects younger patients, putting children, adolescents, and adults under the age of 30 at risk. Encephalitic meningitis has different causes of development, symptoms and signs of manifestation, as well as methods of treatment and consequences, different from other forms of the disease. A detailed discussion of each of these factors will be provided in this article.

With a weakened protective reaction of the body, harmful microorganisms easily penetrate into the blood, and then, transported through the circulatory system, reach the central nervous system, namely, the membranes of the brain. After this, amoebic meningitis begins to develop and the first signs of the disease appear.

Purulent meningitis

Purulent meningitis - infectious inflammation membranes of the brain, accompanied by the formation and release of purulent masses. This disease can occur in patients belonging to any age category. Often purulent meningitis occurs in children.

In order to understand how to deal with this disease, you need to know and be able to identify its symptoms. The described form of the disease has its own characteristics of manifestation, causes of development and methods of treatment. It is about them that will be discussed in this article.

The causes of a disease such as purulent meningitis are the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the membranes of the brain. The causative agents in this situation are usually harmful bacteria. These include streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens. Most often, it is staphylococci that take part in the development of the disease, which is why this meningitis is often called staphylococcal.

As for how purulent meningitis is transmitted, there are several stages. The entry of a pathogenic microorganism into human body, most often, occurs in the traditional airborne or food way.

Infection can occur through any contact with a carrier of the infection. A cough or sneeze, a handshake, or the use of general subjects everyday life.

Then, penetrating through the tissues of the upper respiratory tract or stomach, harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream. And the causative agent of meningitis gets to the membranes of the brain by the hematogenous route, transported by the circulatory system. Then, after getting into the tissues of the meninges, the development of the disease begins.

A special characteristic of this disease is that its development, and in itself the penetration of bacteria into the blood, is possible only with a weakened immune system. Then the disease progresses quickly and without obstacles. This fact also explains the fact that the disease so often affects the child's body, whose immunity is not yet fully developed.

Tuberculous meningitis

Tuberculous meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that occurs as a secondary disease after tuberculosis. This form of the disease is quite rare and, in most cases, in people with or recovering from tuberculosis.

The cause of such a disease as tuberculous meningitis is the spread of harmful pathogens from the focus of inflammation in the respiratory system to the brain. As mentioned above, most often, this type of disease is secondary, against the background of the development of tuberculosis. The main causative agent of both diseases are acid-fast bacteria, or, in other words, tuberculosis microbacteria.

Tuberculous meningitis is transmitted, like tuberculosis itself, by airborne droplets or food contact with a carrier of the infection. In the case of the spread of this disease, the carrier of dangerous microbacteria of tuberculosis can be people, animals and even birds.

It is also characteristic that when harmful microorganisms enter the body of a healthy person, whose immune system works well, tuberculosis bacteria are almost always destroyed. Therefore, as conditions necessary for the full development of the disease, weakened immunity, a low rate of the body's defense reaction are implied. It is a poorly developed immune system that is the reason that tuberculous meningitis manifests itself in children.

First of all, when it enters the respiratory organs, the disease is localized in them. Then, penetrating into the blood, tuberculosis microbacteria are transported by the circulatory system to meninges. Just from this moment, the development of a secondary disease called tuberculous meningitis begins.

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, which is provoked by the ingestion of a virus-causative agent of the disease into the human body. This disease can affect quite extensive, in terms of age categories, groups of patients, and is quite dangerous. Viral meningitis is most common in children.

This disease is one of the most curable forms of meningitis, but it also has its dangers. In order to clearly understand all the features and deterioration of this disease, you need to know the features of its manifestation, the causes of development, as well as the features of the course and treatment.

The main cause of this disease, as mentioned above, is a virus that causes a disease in the child's body. The entry of this provocateur into the child's body, as with any other infectious disease, occurs by airborne droplets or food through contact with the carrier of the infection.

A feature of the further development of the disease is that with normal operation immune system, this virus may not cause serious malfunctions, and even be destroyed. That is why viral meningitis so often affects children. The immunity of the child's body is not fully developed and cannot cope with the virus of this disease.

Thanks to such conditions, the causative agent of meningitis penetrates into the blood and, according to blood vessels reaches the central nervous system. After reaching the brain, the virus contributes to the development of inflammation of its membranes.

Serous meningitis

Serous meningitis is an infectious disease characterized by the manifestation of a serous inflammatory process in the tissues of the membrane of the brain and spinal cord. This disease is most susceptible to children of preschool and school age, which is why the question of how serous meningitis manifests itself in children is relevant for all parents.

This disease is dangerous and extremely quickly transmitted from person to person. Therefore, every adult needs to know and understand what can provoke meningitis, what are the symptoms of its manifestation and the features of the course, as well as methods of treatment.

The cause of serous meningitis is the penetration into the human body of a microorganism-causative agent of the disease. Such microorganisms can be viruses, bacteria or fungi. However, due to the fact that in more than 80% of cases, it is viruses that provoke the disease, it is often called, especially when manifested in children, as serous viral meningitis.

Most often, this disease occurs due to enteroviruses entering the body. This also explains the fact that serous meningitis often occurs as a secondary disease as one of the viral diseases (measles, syphilis, AIDS, etc.).

It has been established that the entry of enterovirus into the body of a child can occur in two main ways: airborne and waterborne. Airborne transmission of infection from a carrier to a healthy person is the traditional route for this kind of disease. With any contact with a sick person (whether with a child or an adult), the disease virus enters the child's body: hugs, coughs, sneezes, kisses, common utensils, household items (toys).

As for the water way of transmission of the disease, in this case we are talking about high content harmful microorganisms in water bodies in summer. This explains the periodic epidemics of diseases in the warm season.

Getting into a child's body with still weak immunity, the virus of the disease freely penetrates through the skin and mucous membranes into the blood. Then, transported by the blood circulation, the pathogen reaches the lining of the brain. And after that, the development of serous meningitis begins.

infectious meningitis

Infectious meningitis is a dangerous inflammatory disease that affects the tissues of the spinal cord and brain. As a primary infectious disease, meningitis is provoked by various microorganisms, which explains the diversity in the course of the disease, the expression of symptoms and treatment.

This type of disease can be easily transmitted from person to person and can affect patients of different ages and both sexes equally. Infectious meningitis has its own characteristics of occurrence (causes), symptoms, manifestations and methods of treatment, different from other forms of meningitis. This is exactly what will be discussed in this article.

The main reason why a disease such as infectious meningitis develops in the human body is the penetration of a pathogen into it. Moreover, the role of such a pathogen, in this case, can be played by malicious viruses, bacteria or even fungus.

Infectious meningitis, like any disease of this type, is transmitted by traditional, airborne or foodborne routes. This happens, as a rule, upon contact with the carrier of the infection through a handshake, kiss, sneezing or common utensils and household items, which by itself suggests the need for strict adherence to personal hygiene rules. In this regard, the way the infection of a disease called meningitis is transmitted to another person is not much different from other diseases.

The peculiarity of the development of the disease is that the infection process is not limited to one fact of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the body. Moreover, with the normal functioning of the body's defense system, meningitis may not occur.

Cryptococcal meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis (cryptococcosis) is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the brain, which has a fungal nature of development. This disease has no age limits in the defeat of patients, therefore it is equally dangerous for all age groups of patients.

For timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as in order to prevent the development of the disease, it is worth knowing and understanding what are the causes, symptoms and features of the course of the disease. A description of all the described parameters can be found in this article.

As mentioned above, cryptococcal meningitis has a fungal nature of development. And, therefore, as with other infectious diseases, the cause of this disease in the patient's body is the pathogen microorganism. In this case, fungus.

The penetration of the microorganism-causative agent into the tissue of the brain membrane occurs in the standard way for this disease. The fungus enters the surface of the palatine tonsils and upper respiratory tract by airborne droplets or food. Then, under the condition of reduced work of the body's defense systems, the pathogen enters the bloodstream and, thanks to well-functioning work circulatory system travels to brain tissue.

A distinctive feature of the occurrence of cryptococcosis is that, as an independent disease, it is extremely rare. All diseases of the nervous system of the body that have a fungal nature of development usually develop in people who have already had diseases that have weakened their immunity, including those with hemoblastoses, diabetes mellitus, AIDS, malignant tumors. A disease such as cryptococcosis is a fairly common case after prolonged therapies using antibacterial, corticosteroid, immunosuppressive drugs.

Symptoms of the development of the disease

Symptoms of a disease such as cryptococcosis are extremely difficult to identify. This is due to the parallel or subsequent development of meningitis after another disease. Therefore, for tracking purposes, additionally developing disease, during the underlying disease, it is periodically recommended to diagnose for inflammation of the meninges.

Symptoms of a disease such as cryptococcal meningitis can be divided into two categories: general infectious and specific meningeal. At the same time, signs common to all infectious diseases can easily be lost against the background of the underlying ailment, which cannot be said about specific ones.

General infectious signs of this type of meningitis are usually chronic. These include:

an increase in temperature by several marks (up to 37.8-38? C);
fever state.

Against the background of a constantly elevated, albeit slightly, body temperature, diseases of the respiratory tract, ears, and oral cavity can develop. So lasting change indicators of body temperature should serve as a signal that meningitis is developing in the body. In combination with the specific signs of the disease, you can get a good reason for a preliminary diagnosis.

As for the specific symptoms of the disease, they include the usual signs of brain damage. Their list includes:

intense throbbing headache;
dizziness;
nausea and vomiting not associated with meals;
photophobia and sound phobia;
soreness of the neck muscles;

The main symptom indicating the development of meningitis in the patient's body is meningeal syndrome. Its manifestation lies in the fact that the patient's legs will involuntarily bend at the knees, if he, when taking a horizontal position, tilt his head to the chest.

Meningitis in babies

In newborns, this disease is quite rare. The incidence of meningitis in infants ranges from 0.02% to 0.2%, depending on the weight of the newborn and his state of health.

It is extremely important for the parents of the baby to know the causes of the disease, to be able to recognize its symptoms and understand the features of treatment, in order to know how to behave when meningitis is manifested in the baby. All of these issues will be discussed in this article.

Symptoms of meningitis in newborns

There is a set of signs of the development of the disease that can occur in both infants and adult patients. However, due to the fact that a newborn child cannot show or tell that he is in pain, in this case, it is worth paying attention to a larger range of factors. So, the symptoms of a disease such as meningitis in infants will manifest themselves as follows:

a significant increase in temperature;
state of fever, chills;
convulsions and twitches;
increase and pulsation of the fontanel;
diarrhea;
nausea and profuse vomiting;
decreased or complete lack of appetite;
a state of general weakness of the body.

Signs of meningitis in infants are also reflected in the behavior of the child. A newborn baby, due to a severe headache, due to inflammation, is very excited, restless, the state of irritation is replaced by drowsiness. An experienced parent will be able to notice that the complex of the above symptoms of the disease can be inherent in any ailment. infectious nature. That is why for the accurate diagnosis of the disease, there are specific signs of the disease.

meningeal syndrome

Meningeal syndrome is the main specific symptom that determines the presence inflammatory disease meningitis in the meninges. The peculiarity of its manifestation is that if you try to tilt the patient's head to the chest while he is in horizontal position, his legs will bend at the knees uncontrollably. This test is good for both children and adults.

Symptoms of Lesage

Due to the fact that in newborns the symptoms of a disease such as meningitis are very mild, an examination of the fontanel (unfused skull bones) is performed to confirm suspicions. When meningitis occurs, this area becomes inflamed and pulsates.

Lesage's symptom is also called the pose of the pointing dog. Its essence lies in the fact that when the baby is held by the armpit area, he involuntarily pulls his legs to his stomach and throws his head back.

Causes

Infection of a newborn child usually occurs in a way that has become traditional for this type of disease. We are talking about the transmission of pathogens by airborne droplets from the carrier of the infection, which can be adults or the same small children.

Treatment of meningitis

Diagnosing meningitis is fairly easy, but the diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor. Since the disease develops rapidly, you can not hesitate even a minute. Treatment of meningitis is carried out only under the supervision of doctors in the hospital, it cannot be treated at home. To confirm the disease, as well as to determine the pathogen, the patient is spinal tap. With timely access to a doctor, meningitis is well treated and does not give complications. The methods of treatment of meningitis include several drugs and vaccines to eliminate the pathogen:

The main treatment for meningitis is antibiotic therapy. At the first symptoms of the disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics from the group of penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides are immediately used. Broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed to immediately eliminate the pathogen. The results of the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid will not be ready immediately, and it is almost impossible to determine the causative agent of meningitis in a blood test. Antibiotics are given intravenously to the patient severe forms medications may be injected into the spinal canal. Course duration antibacterial treatment the doctor determines, but the patient will receive medication for at least a week after his normal temperature stabilizes.
Diuretics may be used in the treatment of meningitis. When using diuretics, fluid is simultaneously injected into the patient's body. Diuretics contribute to a strong leaching of calcium from the body, so the patient is prescribed a vitamin complex.
With meningitis, detoxification therapy is used. It is necessary to reduce the symptoms of intoxication. The patient is administered intravenously saline, glucose solution and other drugs.

The duration of treatment for meningitis varies and depends on the degree of development of the disease, the patient's condition. In children, this disease can give various complications, in adults it is quickly treated without consequences. After completion of therapy in the hospital, it is necessary to continue treatment at home, to strengthen the immune system. The patient can restore health within one year, so it is not always possible to return to work or school.

Prevention of meningitis

Preventive measures for meningitis primarily include mandatory vaccination. Vaccination will help prevent the development of many diseases that lead to meningitis. Vaccination should be given to children at an early age. Bacterial and viral meningitis vaccines include vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae type B, against infections that cause pneumonia and other diseases. Vaccination should be carried out for a child aged 2 months to 5 years, as well as for children over 5 years old who suffer from serious illnesses. Before the invention of the vaccine, bacteria were thought to be the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, but vaccines have been able to eradicate it.

Meningococcal vaccination can protect against the main bacteria that cause meningitis. It must be done to a child aged 11-12 years. This type of vaccination should be given to students living in a dormitory, recruit soldiers, immunodeficient patients, as well as tourists and workers traveling to countries where a meningitis epidemic can break out, for example, countries in Africa. It is necessary to carry out compulsory vaccination from other infectious diseases:, and others.

Other measures to prevent meningitis include maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness:

exclusion of contact with people with meningitis;
after contact with an infected person, it is necessary to receive a preventive course of medication;
wear a disposable medical mask during epidemics of influenza and other infectious diseases;
wash hands before eating, after transport and public places, use antibacterial agents;
do not drink raw water, process vegetables and fruits with boiling water, boil milk;
avoid swimming in stagnant water;
strengthen the immunity of the child from an early age.

Consequences of the disease

Meningitis is dangerous because its untimely or incorrect treatment can lead to serious complications that will remind you of yourself. long years. Moreover, it does not matter at what age the disease was transferred. The consequences after meningitis are manifested in both adults and children.

In older patients, the list describing complications after meningitis includes: regular headaches, hearing loss, significant visual impairment, epileptic seizures and many other deteriorations in the functioning of the body, which can haunt the patient from several months to several years.

As for the consequences of meningitis for children, then, in this case, the situation is even more dangerous. If the disease occurs in the first years of a child's life, the probability of death is very high. If the disease was defeated, then it can cause a delay mental development, violations of the basic functions of the brain and the entire nervous system of the child's body.

Moreover, the threat of a fatal outcome of the disease exists not only for children. As an answer to the question of whether it is possible to die from meningitis, let's talk about one of its most serious complications. We are talking about .

This complication is more common in younger patients, but not infrequently in adults. With the onset of this complication of an infectious disease, meningitis, the patient's indicators begin to change dramatically. blood pressure and palpitations, shortness of breath increases and pulmonary edema develops. The result of this process is paralysis of the respiratory tract. What are the consequences after such a complication of meningitis, it is not difficult to guess - the death of the patient.

Another complication called toxic shock leads to the same consequences. Without going to the doctors at the first manifestations of the disease, it is impossible to cope with the complications of the disease.

If we talk about the general list, then the consequences of meningitis affect the health of men, women and children. This indicates the urgent need for correct treatment and proper rehabilitation after illness.

The most common consequences of meningitis include: disruption of the nervous system, mental disorders, dropsy (excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain), hormonal dysfunctions and others. This disease, even in the course of treatment, can have Negative influence on the body. With the introduction of drugs is significantly reduced blood pressure, the work of the urinary system worsens, calcium is washed out of the bones.

It is important to know and always remember that timely diagnosis and correct treatment can save not only the health of the patient, but also his life. Therefore, in order to avoid consequences that pose a real threat to life, at the first symptoms of the disease, you need to consult a doctor.