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Blood cultures.
Blood samples are placed in aerobic blood culture
 bottles to make a blood culture set.

The bottles, once received in the laboratory, are placed onto the BD Bactec FX where they are monitored for bacterial growth. Any that flag as positive, i.e. growth is suspected, are subbed onto selective media and a Gram stain performed,then studied under a microscope for Neisseria meningitidis identification.

Imaging.
Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head may show swelling or inflammation. X-rays or CT scans of the chest or sinuses also may show infection in other areas that may be associated with meningitis.


Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you'll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein. CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify which bacterium caused the meningitis. If your doctor suspects viral meningitis, he or she may order a DNA-based test known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification or a test to check for antibodies against certain viruses to determine the specific cause and determine proper treatment.


Treatment


The treatment depends on the type of meningitis you or your child has.


Bacterial meningitis


Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures.


The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis.


Your doctor may drain any infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear.



Viral meningitis


Antibiotics can't cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in several weeks. Treatment of mild cases of viral meningitis usually includes:


.Bed rest

.Plenty of fluids
.Over-the-counter pain medications to help reduce fever and relieve body aches


Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain, and an anticonvulsant medication to control seizures.


If a herpes virus caused your meningitis, an antiviral medication is available.



Other types of meningitis


If the cause of your meningitis is unclear, your doctor may start antiviral and antibiotic treatment while the cause is determined.


Treatment for chronic meningitis is based on the underlying cause. Antifungal medications treat fungal meningitis, and a combination of specific antibiotics can treat tuberculous meningitis. However, these medications can have serious side effects, so treatment may be deferred until a laboratory can confirm that the cause is fungal.


Noninfectious meningitis due to allergic reaction or autoimmune disease may be treated with corticosteroids. In some cases, no treatment may be required because the condition can resolve on its own. Cancer-related meningitis requires therapy for the specific cancer.

هناك 3 تعليقات:

  1. Hi Ettiene,I thought it starts with placing the blood sample in blood culture bottle which is then placed in the blood culture machine...It is after that that the sample is cultured on observing turbidity indicating growth.

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