Question

1. Several outbreaks of meningitis were traced to local bars and dance clubs (before the coronavirus covid-19 closed down these facilities). At each of the bars and clubs involved, it was popular for the clientele to share drinks that were served to groups with the use of a common straw. The pathogen responsible for all of these outbreaks was a gram-negative, diplococcus-shaped bacteria. Analysis of the cerebral spinal fluid showed high numbers of neutrophils. Common clinical feature included high fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sometimes a rash.

1. What is meningitis? Based on the signs and symptoms, what general type of meningitis are these cases?

2. What specific pathogen likely caused the outbreaks of meningitis at the bar and dance venues?

3. How was the infectious microbe transmitted to people in these settings?

4. What is the most likely means by which the microbe, once in the human body, moved into the meninges?

5. How would infections caused by this microbe be treated?

6. Why is it important to quickly identify close contacts of those who come down with meningitis?

Answer 1

a.Meningitis :- Inflammation of delicate membranes (Meninges) of brain and spinal cord.

According to sign and symptoms types of meningitis is bacterial meningitis .

b. Specific pathogen are :-

i. Haemophilus Influenza (type b)

ii. Streptococcus pneumoniae

iii. Neisseria meningitidis

c. infectious microbes transmitted through:- coughing, sneezing or saliva transfer during kissing or mouth to mouth resuscitation .

d. These microbes enter bloodstream and travel to brain and spinal cord .

e. Bacteria meningitis can be treated with antibiotics .