Alternative Names
meningitis; H. flu meningitis
Definition of Meningitis – H. influenzae
meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
meningitis is caused by bacteria. These bacteria should not be confused with the disease , an upper respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include:
Signs and tests
Physical examination will usually show:
Treatment
Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics.
Expectations (prognosis)
Early treatment improves the outcome. However, 3 – 5% of patients do not survive. Young children and adults over 50 have the highest risk of death.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/15/2010
