BACTERIAL MENINGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bacterial meningitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection. This infection typically occurs when bacteria penetrate the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord, leading to the onset of meningitis.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis commonly include severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even seizures. Bacterial meningitis is considered a medical emergency due to its rapid progression and potential for severe complications if left untreated.
Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis, with the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria are commonly found in the nose and throat, but their overgrowth or invasion into the bloodstream can result in the development of meningitis. The infection is typically spread via respiratory droplets, close contact, sharing utensils, or through coughing and sneezing.
Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis involves analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid taken through a lumbar puncture, which helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. Treatment usually involves administration of intravenous antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and control the infection. Depending on the severity of the meningitis, hospitalization and supportive care, such as pain management and fluid balance, may be required.
Prevention of bacterial meningitis includes vaccination, particularly against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae, as well as practicing good personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Common Misspellings for BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
- vacterial meningitis
- nacterial meningitis
- hacterial meningitis
- gacterial meningitis
- bzcterial meningitis
- bscterial meningitis
- bwcterial meningitis
- bqcterial meningitis
- baxterial meningitis
- bavterial meningitis
- bafterial meningitis
- badterial meningitis
- bacrerial meningitis
- bacferial meningitis
- bacgerial meningitis
- bacyerial meningitis
- bac6erial meningitis
- bac5erial meningitis
- bactwrial meningitis
- bactsrial meningitis
Etymology of BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
The word "bacterial" refers to bacteria, which are microscopic organisms that can cause infections. It is derived from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small staff". The term "meningitis" is derived from the Greek word "meninx", meaning "membrane", and the suffix "-itis", meaning inflammation. Therefore, "bacterial meningitis" refers to the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria.
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