Uncover the risk factors and What Causes Meningitis in Newborns. Explore insights into prevention and early detection for infant health.
What Causes Meningitis in Newborns, Meningitis is difficult to diagnose based on initial symptoms. Even if detected, about 10 percent of patients die within 24 to 48 hours. And 20 percent of patients survive this disease but are forced to suffer disability.
The thin layer of tissue that surrounds our brain and spinal cord is called the meninges. The inflammation that occurs as a result of infection in the lining of this tissue layer is called meningitis. Bacterial infections are typically the cause of this.
Meningitis is of different types, such as bacterial meningitis, Neisseria meningitis, viral meningitis, etc. Viral meningitis is caused by a variety of viruses. They are spread through sneezing, coughing, and poor hygiene.
Parasites can also cause meningitis. For example, amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare form of parasitic meningitis that causes fatal infections. Fungal meningitis is also rare. It is carried by blood to the meninges. Patients with AIDS, diabetes, or cancer who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing this type of meningitis.
There is also non-infectious meningitis. What Causes Meningitis in Newborns Causes of noninfectious meningitis include cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), certain medications, head injuries, or surgery. Children under 5 years of age and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age are more prone to this disease.
The main symptoms of this disease are a severe headache, stiff neck, hallucinations, vomiting or nausea, inability to look at light, discomfort, special spots on the body, fainting, severe sleepiness, loss of balance in the body, etc.
Disease detection
A blood test checks for the presence of bacteria or viruses in the blood.
Lumbar puncture: Cerebrospinal fluid is collected and tested. In addition, a CT scan is required.
To be done.
A neurologist should be consulted as soon as symptoms appear. The following prescription is given to determine the exact cause of meningitis:
1. Bacterial meningitis: Prescribed antibiotics work well in this case.
2. Viral meningitis: It is not as life-threatening as bacterial meningitis. It requires only supportive therapy.
3. Fungal meningitis: High-dose antifungals have long been used to treat fungal meningitis, such as cryptococcal or coccidioidomycosis meningitis.
As for meningitis, bacterial meningitis is a disease that requires less than 24 hours of treatment. Therefore, meningococci vaccine groups A, C, W-135, and Y should be taken to prevent it.
What Causes Meningitis in Newborns:
In summary, early detection and avoidance of meningitis in infants depend on knowledge of its causes. While a number of circumstances, such as diseases and disorders in the mother, increase the risk, prompt treatment and vaccination are essential for protecting the health of the newborn. In addition to prompt therapies, promoting mother wellness and understanding also helps lower the rate of meningitis in infants. To safeguard the susceptible newborn population from this fatal virus, a complete plan must include vigilance, routine check-ups, and adherence to immunization protocols.
Professor Dr. Haradhan Debnath, Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka