| Popis: |
This chapter investigates bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, mainly the inner meninges comprised of the arachnoid and pia mater, which surround the brain and spinal cord and through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows. Meningitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections or by noninfectious etiologies such as medications, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies, as well as autoimmune disorders. Bacterial meningitis occurs most commonly by hematogenous spread but can also occur by direct invasion from the sinuses, ear, or post-operatively. Rates of bacterial meningitis in the Unites States have declined significantly in the past decades. This trend is largely due to availability of effective vaccines against the most common pathogens and education of high-risk populations. Despite this decline, the case fatality rate of bacterial meningitis in the US has remained fairly stable but varies depending on pathogen and host factors. |
