Bacterial Meningitis Research Paper

Words: 1426
Pages: 6
Open Document
A vast number of college students across the United States are required to obtain immunization upon entry of college against Bacterial Meningitis, unfamiliar to the reason as why prevention of such infectious disease is critical. Meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Moreover, acute bacterial meningitis is the most common form of meningitis that can be life threatening, the infection brought upon the body causes the tissues around the brain to swell, interfering with blood flow which in turns can result in paralysis or a stroke.
Causal Agent Common bacteria found in the nose as well as respiratory system without causing any harm are most often responsible …show more content…
The several forms of meningitis are prone to anyone, and it can be severe, the longer one has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage. Nevertheless, children between the ages of one month and two years are the most susceptible to bacterial meningitis due to the weak immune system responses against foreign invaders. Additionally, outbreaks of bacterial meningitis also occur in close contact living situations, such as college dormitories and the military, reason being that the bacterium is spread by the respiratory route and spreads quickly through large groups, hence the required vaccination rule applied to universities across the nation. Young adults and children seem to be at higher risks to meningitis, and it is a fact, yet adults with certain risk factors such as the abuse of alcohol, have chronic nose and ear infections, sustain a head injury, or have a sickle cell disease. Common symptoms associated with meningitis include high fever, headaches, stiffness in the neck area, irritability, increased drowsiness, and the occurrence of a seizures and/or stroke. Bacterial meningitis can be stern and might result in brain damage, hearing loss, limb amputation or learning disabilities, all depending on how it …show more content…
Moreover, the first major epidemic was reported in Nigeria and Ghana in 1905–1908, with large number of reported deaths due to the disease. In Africa however, the first outbreak was not found until 1840, with epidemics becoming vastly common in the 20th century. The first verification that linked a bacterial infection as one of the causes towards meningitis was written by an Austrian bacteriologist named Anton Vaykselbaum, he described meningococcal bacteria in 1887. It was not until 1906, that scientists noticed that horses had the capacity to create antibodies against meningococcal bacteria, thus using them to create such antibodies. This was then further studied by an American scientist named Simon Flexner and resulted in a decrease of mortality from meningococcal disease. Throughout the years, enhancements were made as well as various ways to treat meningitis, such as in 1944 when penicillin was reported to be effective in the treatment of meningitis, and antibiotic therapy that began in the 20th century with the use of sulfonamides. Leading to a more recent treatment with steroids in 2002 suggesting that steroids could improve the prognosis of bacterial meningitis, revolutionizing therapy of meningitis and improving the long-term outcome of the
Show More

Related Documents: Bacterial Meningitis Research Paper

Dimethyltryptamine and Dmt Experience Essay

Afterlife There are many things in this world that cannot be explained, whether it be because of lack of technology or the lack of interest in the unknown. In this paper I will explain my finding on the molecule dimethlytrptamine and its direct relation to near death experiences and the afterlife. I have found multiple scientists and research groups that have dedicated their time to either prove or disprove the magnitude of this drug. There have been many mysteries and questions that arise in the scientific…

Words 1606 - Pages 7

Essay Cerebral Palsy

of impairment. Much like Little, Osler’s conclusion indicated that proper treatment could greatly increase quality of life. Dr. Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist better known for his work in psychiatry, published some of the earliest medical papers on cerebral palsy. In the early years, Dr. Little believed most cases of cerebral palsy were caused by obstetrical complications at birth. He suggested that children born with cerebral palsy were born following complicated deliveries, and that their…

Words 2187 - Pages 9

Streptococcus Pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Essay

Pneumococcal Niche Adaptation Word counts: Abstract, 197; Main text, 3494. Footnotes: Potential Conflicts of Interest: the authors do not have any conflicts of interest. Financial support: Program Grant 565526 from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia; Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation. Reprints or correspondence: Prof. James C. Paton, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, S.A., 5005, Australia. Phone: 61-8-83135929;…

Words 5381 - Pages 22

Health, Safety and Welfare in Ecce Setting Essay

Table of contents: Aim and Introduction. Health and safety in ECCE setting. Health and Safety Policies and Procedures in ECCE Setting. Well-being of children in ECCE setting. Characteristic of positive environment in ECCE setting The factors that contribute to the overall well-being of the children in ECCE setting Components of a balanced diet for children Menu sample. Indoor and Outdoor Safety. Signs and symptoms of unwell child. Crèche Safety Check list Sample…

Words 19654 - Pages 79

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Essay

Science For Living Notes (Compiled) Table of Contents Unit 1 Measurement 5-10 Unit 2 Matter 11-48 Unit 3 Basic materials for maintaining life Air 49-54 Water 55-68 Food 69-71 Other biomolecules of life 72-76 Unit 4 Energy in the Community Electricity 77-78 Heat 78-81 Light 82-91 Sound 92 Simple Machines 93-99 Unit 5 The Physical Environment Weather and Climate 100-113 Soils 114-128…

Words 35677 - Pages 143