Meningitis - pneumococcal

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Pneumococci organism

Pneumococcal pneumonia

Meningitis - pneumococcal

Definition:

Pneumococcal meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).

Alternative Names:

Pneumococcal meningitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of meningitis in adults, and the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than 6.

The onset of symptoms is usually rapid. Risk factors include recurrent meningitis, meningitis associated with leakage of spinal fluid, diabetes, injury or trauma to the head, alcohol use, recent pneumonia, recent upper respiratory infection, infection of a heart valve, or recent ear infection. About 15,000 cases occur in the US each year.

Review Date: 7/12/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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