The Progression of Streptococcus suis Meningitis Essay

There are three types of pathogens that cause meningitis. The first type of pathogen is Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is an aerobic gram-negative bacteria, meaning they have relatively thin cell walls and can be resistant to antibiotic treatment. In 95% of invasive diseases are caused by type b. Before the introduction of a vaccine, it was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis most common in infants. The organism colonizes in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) and can sometimes invade the bloodstream and cause infection at a distant site. Neisseria meningitides is a bacteria that causes meningoccal disease. It is aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria that causes serious, sometimes fatal, infection†¦show more content†¦An MRI indicated inflammation of sulci, a groove in the brain, vascular congestion and cortical edema or fluid on the brain. A spinal tap was obtained from the patient and because of possible pneumococcal meningitis, an intravenous therapy with a combination of a steroid and antibiotics. Streptococcus suis was identified and the patient was asked about any recent contact with swine. For several weeks, he had been slaughtering, by hand, several non- commercially raised pigs for a luau. And although he did not recall any mucosal exposure to the pig blood or secretions, there is no known route for infection to humans. He did not wear any type of protective gear, i.e., gloves, apron or facemask. His exposure to pigs blood, skin and organs was extensive. During the slaughter process, his hands sustained multiple cuts. It is possible that the bacteria entered through those cuts as no other church members who participated in the preparation became ill. Treatment of ceftrixone and a 4-day course of dexmathasone was prescribed and his headache improved. He was discharged after 6 days and given a 2- week course of IV ceftrixone. After 1 day of discharge, he was affected again by headaches accompanied by a mild hearing loss. After a repeat spinal tap was administered, it was concluded that the headache was a result of residual meningeal/cerebral edema (swelling) that resolved