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Meningitis - gram-negative

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Central nervous system
Central nervous system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Gram-negative meningitis

Definition    Return to top

Gram-negative meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by bacteria that turn pink when exposed to a special stain (gram-negative bacteria).

See also:

Causes    Return to top

Acute bacterial meningitis can be caused by gram-negative bacteria. Bacteria causing gram-negative meningitis include:

Gram-negative meningitis is much more common in infants than adults.

Risk factors in adults and children include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical examination may show:

For any patient with meningitis, it is important to perform a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is collected for testing.

Tests include:

Treatment    Return to top

Antibiotic treatment through a vein (IV) usually starts right away. If you have a shunt, it may be removed to get rid of the infection.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

It is important to recognize the symptoms of this meningitis, and seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment may prevent serious illness or death.

Many people recover completely, but a large number of people have permanent brain damage or die from this type of meningitis. Between 40% and 80% of patients with gram-negative meningitis do not survive, although these numbers may be improving. The likelihood of survival depends on:

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you notice symptoms of meningitis. This condition can be very serious and needs immediate treatment.

Prevention    Return to top

Prompt treatment of related infections may reduce the risk of meningitis.

References    Return to top

Swartz MN. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 437.

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: 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, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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