Bacterial Meningitis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bacterial Meningitis - Research Paper ensampleBacterial meningitis can occur at any age. However, it is to a greater extent than common among infants, children and young adults. It is withal more common in the elderly people. According to WHO (Cited in Ramakrishnana et al, 48) two thirds of meningitis deaths in low-incomeSeveral species of bacteria relieve oneself meningitis and affectation with a particular species depends on the host and the setting. Community-acquired meningitis is usually due to Neisseria meningitides Hemophilus influenzae type-B or pneumococcus species (Ramakrishnana et al, 8). round of these organisms are commensals in the upper respiratory tract of some healthy people (Tunkel, 1268). Listeria monocytogenes is another principal(prenominal) cause of bacterial meningitis and it most commonly affects newborns, pregnant women, immunosuppressed and elderly population (Jacewicz, Merck Manual). Other bacteria causing meningitis include Escherichia coli, Hemophil us influenzae, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, group-B streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. E.coli and group-B streptococci occur in newborns (Jacewicz, Merck Manual). Pseudomonas infection is more common in the immunosupressed and Staphylococcus infection occurs following injury or surgery. (Jacewicz, Merck Manual) The highest fatality rate is seen in infection due to pneumococcus (Ramakrishnana et al, 48).Certain individuals are at increased risk of developing bacterial meningitis because of their health condition. They are individuals suffering from chronic diseases like ischemic heart disease, chronic liver disease, end-stage nephritic failure, rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine dysfunction and immune disorders. Intake of immunosuppressants or glucocorticosteroids for immunosupression or cancer treatment also increases the risk of development of bacterial meningitis. Other risk factors include head injury,pneumococcal pneumonia, blood disorders like reaping hook cell anemia, splenect omy and chronic infections of the upper respiratory system.Bacterial meningitis can