Pathogens Causing Meningitis

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Pathogens Causing Meningitis

Pathogens

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis is caused by various bacteria, significant being Neisseria meningitis,

Viral Meningitis

One of the significant viruses causing meningitis is Herpes virus.

Fungal Meningitis

The most common cause of fungal meningitis is Cryptococcus gattii

General Characteristics and Structure

Neisseria meningititis

Neisseria meningitides are a member of the family Neisseriaceae. It is a Gram-negative bacteria, non-spore forming, non-motile and encapsulated. In order to grow, it needs an aerobic with 5% CO2 and blood containing media for growth (Janda, W. M., & Gaydos, C. 2007). It occurs as spherical chains (diplococcus); kidney bean shaped, and 1 micron in size.

Herpes Simplex Virus

HSV virus, types 1 and 2, are a member of the sub family Alphaherpesviridae, which further belongs to the family Herpesviridae, genus Simplex virus (Jerome, K. R., & Morrow, R. A. 2007). It consists of a linear, double stranded DNA, present within an icosahedral shaped capsid and coated with phospholipids. It is 120-300 nm in diameter.

Cryptococcus gattii

Cryptococcus gattii belongs to the family Basidiomycota, which reproduces by budding (Deborah, 2010). It is surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule and can be cultured at the human body temperature. It can occur both in the form of filamentous fungi or a yeast.

Pathogenic Process

Bacterial Meningitis

Once the bacteria, Neisseria meningitides invade the bloodstream, it initiates endothelial cells, which cause leukocyte invasion, which damages, the blood brain barrier to enter the subarachnoid space of the brain. Ultimately, the bacteria replicate and continue inflammation. Other cells involved in this process are endothelial cells, perivascular macrophages and mast cells. The extracellular fluid surrounding brain cells is contaminated with bacteria, which diffuse through the brain and cause neuronal damage Rennels et al. 1985).

Herpes Simplex Virus

The viral pathogen enters the human body via the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Then ...