# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is bacterial meningitis and how to protect yourself

# data[].attributes.body
Source: INFOGRAPHIC: Be on the lookout for meningitis | Rekord East

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Fiona McGill, University of Liverpool
Fiona McGill - Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences - University of Liverpool

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a figure showing mechanistic pathways in the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis.

# data[].attributes.body
It has been an area of interest to be able to diagnose meningitis faster since the symptoms become very bad, very quickly. A recent research paper in PubMed, "Acute bacterial meningitis in adults," discusses advancement in using PCR and genetic sequencing to diagnose meningitis within a day or two.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your access to the NCBI website at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has been temporarily blocked due to a possible misuse/abuse situation involving your site. This is not an indication of a security issue such as a virus or attack. It could be something as simple as a run away script or learning how to better use E-utilities, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK25497/, for more efficient work such that your work does not impact the ability of other researchers to also use our site. To restore access and understand how to better interact with our site to avoid this in the future, please have your system administrator contact info@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your access to the NCBI website at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has been temporarily blocked due to a possible misuse/abuse situation involving your site. This is not an indication of a security issue such as a virus or attack.

# data[].attributes.body
Meningitis is most often treated with antibiotics such as Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone. It is important that it is treated early to prevent further complications.

# data[].attributes.body
Diagnosis is done by analyzing a blood sample or a spinal cord fluid sample for a strain of the bacteria.
The best prevention is vaccines! Many people receive a vaccine for this within their first year of life, at age 11-12, and possibly again at age 16-18.

# data[].attributes.body
If you've ever heard of or watched the TV show "Switched At Birth" (my favorite show), one of the main characters is a girl who went deaf at age 3 due to meningitis that wasn't treated early enough. Going deaf at a young age caused her and her family's life to change forever.

# data[].attributes.body
If not treated right away, bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and even death.

# data[].attributes.body
There is a characteristic sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It is also common to experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.

# data[].attributes.body
Image of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria cause of meningitis. Source: Science Source Stock Photos & Video - Streptococcus Pneumoniae, LM

# data[].attributes.body
It is common for different things to cause this based on the person's age.

Newborns: Group B Streptococcus, S. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, E. coli

Babies and children: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae type b (Hib), group B Streptococcus

Teens and young adults: N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae

Older adults: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, Hib, group B Streptococcus, L. monocytogenes

Source: About Bacterial Meningitis Infection | CDC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is also referred to as spinal meningitis.

# data[].attributes.body
"Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord," (CDC). There is a bacterial, fungal, and viral form of meningitis, but bacteria meningitis is most common and will be the focus here.