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| printer friendly | MENINGITIS | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Meningitis is a condition in which inflammation of the meninges (lining) of the brain and spinal cord occurs due to a bacterial, viral or, rarely, fungal infection. The bacterial form is life threatening. Fungal meningitis also tends to be severe while the viral form is usually less so. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by many different bacteria including meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, leptospirosis (including Weil's disease), tuberculosis, listeria, streptococcus and E.coli. The organisms affecting the newborn baby are often different from those affecting the older child or adult and the outcome is more serious. Viral meningitis is commonly caused by the coxsackie and ECHO viruses. Some viruses cause a combination of meningitis and encephalitis i.e. meningoencephalitis. Mumps meningoencephalitis was common, but no longer so, because of the widespread use of the MMR vaccine. Children and adults with particular diseases, such as those of the immune system, including HIV infection, may be more susceptible to some forms of bacterial or fungal meningitis. Complications of meningitis include deafness (which may be total), brain damage, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and changes in eyesight. Behavioural changes such as subsequent temper tantrums, aggression and mood swings may also cause problems. Meningococcal disease, which involves blood poisoning, may cause the loss of fingers, toes and sometimes even part of a limb. Prevention in the form of safe and effective vaccines against some forms of meningitis are now available. A primary course of conjugate Hib, meningococcal C and pneumococcal vaccines is given between eight and sixteen weeks of age. Boosters are given at twelve and thirteen months. Mumps vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine, the first of two doses being given at thirteen months old. BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is offered to all children and babies who are felt to be at higher risk. Inheritance patterns Prenatal diagnosis Medical text written February 2001 by Dr D Elliman and Dr H Bedford. Last updated October 2006 by Dr D Elliman, Consultant in Community Child health, Islington Primary Care Trust, London, UK and Great Ormond Street hospital, London, UK and immunisation Co-ordinator, Islington Primary Care Trust and Dr h Bedford, Senior lecturer, Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, institute of Child health, London, UK. Further information can be found by referring to the Immunisation page and the Health Promotion, England Web: http://www.immunisation.org.uk
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