Antibiotics in the treatment of meningitis. Modern methods of treating meningitis of various etiologies. Purpose and treatment.

Patients with meningitis are subject to immediate hospitalization. Do not try to treat meningitis with folk remedies and do not delay calling an ambulance at all, since jokes with the infection can easily result in disability or death.

Bacterial and fungal meningitis requires intravenous infusion of large doses of antibiotics. There is no cure for viral meningitis. It goes away on its own within a week. However, all types of meningitis cause exhaustion and pain, and relief of symptoms speeds recovery.

Antibiotics are the drugs of choice for treating meningitis. Let us note that in approximately 20% of cases it is not possible to identify the cause of the disease, so hospitals use broad-spectrum antibiotics in order to affect all possible pathogens. The course of antibiotic therapy lasts at least 10 days. This period increases in the presence of purulent foci in the skull area.

Currently meningitis in adults and children is treated with penicillin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. If they do not give the expected effect, then patients are prescribed vancomycin And carbapenems. They have serious side effects and are used only in cases where there is a real risk of life-threatening complications.

If severe meningitis is observed, the patient is prescribed endolumbar administration of antibiotics, in which the drugs enter directly into the spinal canal.

Penicillin dosage

Penicillin is prescribed at a rate of 200,000-300,000 units/kg, and infants 300,000-400,000 units/kg per day, which is an average of 24,000,000 units/day for adult patients. Penicillin is administered at 4-hour intervals (6 times a day) in adults and at 2-hour intervals in infants. Higher doses of penicillin are only necessary if treatment is started late or if symptoms of meningoencephalitis are obvious. In such cases, along with intramuscular administration, intravenous administration of benzylpenicillin sodium salt is also indicated - from 4,000,000 to 12,000,000 units/day.

Instead of benzylpenicillin, semisynthetic penicillins can be used for purulent meningitis - ampicillin sodium salt, oxacillin, methicillin. Ampicillin is administered 2 g every 4 hours IM or IV (up to 12 g/day), for children - 200-400 mg/kg IV every 6 hours. Sometimes IV administration is added to penicillin sulfamonomethotoxin on day 1, 2 g 2 times, and on subsequent days, 2 g 1 time per day.

If you are intolerant to penicillin, use gentamicin(up to 5 mg/kg per day), chloramphenicol(up to 4 g/day), vancomycin(up to 2 g/day). Has a wide spectrum of action cephaloridine (ceporin).

The optimal spectrum of antibiotics is:

meningococcus, pneumococcus - benzylpenicillin, or ampicillin, or chloramphenicol, or cephaloridine (6 g/day);

Afanasyev-Pfeiffer stick - ampicillin and chloramphenicol.

Combined treatment of meningococcal meningitis with several antibiotics has no advantage over massive doses of penicillin or ampicillin.

List of medications used for meningitis

Amikacin (Amicosit)

Benzylpenicillin

Levomycetin succinate

Meropenem (Meronem)

Metronidazole (Trichobrol, Flagyl, Trichozol, Trichopolum, Klion)

Netilmicin (Netromycin, Guardocin)

Ofloxacin (Ophlocid, Tarivid, Ofloxin)

Pefloxacin (Perflox, Abactal, Uniclef, Peflacin)

Cefepime (Maxipim)

Cefotaxime (Taxam, Claforan)

Ceftriaxone (Oframax, Rocephin, Megion, Cefaxone)

Ciprofloxacin (Medociprin, Arflox, Quipro, Aquacipro, Microflox, Tseprova, Quintor, Afenoxin, Proxacin, Ciplox, Ificipro, Tsiprinol, Procipro, Recipro, Liproquine)

Antipyretics and painkillers

Aspirin

Metamizole sodium (Maxigan, Spazmalgon, Tempalgin, Spazvin, Nospaz, Veralgan, Analgin, Baralgin)

Paracetamol (Mexalen, Coldrex, Algon, Acetaminophen, Dafalgan, Askofen, Aminadol, Grippostad, Algomin, Volpal, Anti Flu, Pamol, Dynafed, Calpol, Tylenol, Lecadol, Lorraine, Adol, Panadol)

Diazepam (Valium, Dicam, Relanium, Seduxen, Apaurin)

• Dexamethasone (Dexasone, Cortidex, Novomethasone, Daxin, Fortecortin)
• Methylprednisolone (Urbazon, Medrol, Advantan, Solu Medrol, Prednol, Metipred)
• Fluconazole (Fungolon, Medoflyukan, Diflazon, Diflucan, Tsiskan, Mikomax, Flucosan, Forkan, Mikosist, Fluzol, Flucostat).

Forecast. With timely initiation of treatment, which lasts many months, as a rule, complete recovery occurs. In case of delayed diagnosis, especially if blackouts, focal brain lesions and hydrocephalus are observed, the outcome is unfavorable, and among those who survive, the majority have residual symptoms.

site-zdorovie.ru

INFECTIONS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

This section discusses the main CNS infections of bacterial etiology: meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema And epidural abscess.

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Bacterial meningitis- inflammation of the meninges, acute or chronic, manifested by characteristic clinical symptoms and CSF pleocytosis.

ACUTE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Main pathogens

The incidence of bacterial meningitis averages about 3 cases per 100 thousand population. In more than 80% of cases, bacterial meningitis is caused by N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae And H. influenzae.

In Russia N.meningitidis is the cause of about 60% of cases of bacterial meningitis, S. pneumoniae— 30% and H.influenzae- 10%. It should be noted that in developed countries, after the introduction of large-scale vaccination against H.influenzae type B, the incidence of bacterial meningitis of this etiology has decreased by more than 90%.

In addition, bacterial meningitis can be caused by other microorganisms (listeria, group B streptococci, enterobacteria, S. aureus, and etc.).

The causative agents of bacterial meningitis can be spirochetes: with Lyme disease, 10-15% of patients have meningeal syndrome in the first 2 weeks after infection. In general, the etiology is largely determined by the age and premorbid background of the patients (Table 2).

Table 1. Dependence of the etiology of bacterial meningitis on the age of patients and premorbid background

Enterococcus spp., Salmonella spp.

Bacterial meningitis can occur in a hospital after neurosurgical or otorhinolaryngological operations, in which case gram-negative (up to 40%) and gram-positive flora (up to 30%) play an important role in the etiology. Nosocomial flora, as a rule, is characterized by high resistance and mortality with this etiology reaches 23-28%.

Treatment success acute bacterial meningitis depends on a number of factors and, first of all, on the timeliness and correctness of the administration of antimicrobial agents. When choosing antibiotics, you need to remember that not all of them penetrate the BBB well (Table 2).

Table 2. Passage of antimicrobial drugs through the BBB

Antimicrobial therapy should be started immediately after a preliminary diagnosis is made. It is important that lumbar puncture and collection of material (CSF, blood) for microbiological examination are performed before antibiotics are administered.

The choice of AMP is based on the results of the examination, including preliminary identification of the pathogen after Gram staining of CSF smears and serological rapid tests.

If quick methods diagnostics do not allow preliminary identification of the pathogen, or for some reason there is a delay in performing a lumbar puncture, then antibacterial therapy assigned empirically. The choice of AMPs in this situation is dictated by the need to cover the entire spectrum of the most likely pathogens (Table 3).

Table 3. Empirical antimicrobial therapy for bacterial meningitis

Antimicrobial therapy may be modified when the pathogen is isolated and susceptibility results are obtained (Table 4).

Table 4. Antimicrobial therapy for bacterial meningitis of established etiology

Used in treatment maximum doses of antibiotics, which is especially important when using AMPs that poorly penetrate the BBB, so it is necessary to strictly adhere to the accepted recommendations (Table 5). Special attention necessary when prescribing antibiotics to children (Table 6).

Table 5. Doses of antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of CNS infections in adults

Table 6. Doses of antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis in children*

* A.R. Tunkel, W. M. Scheld. Acute meningitis. In: Principles and practice of infectious diseases, 5th Edition. Edited by: G.L. Mandell, J.E. Bennett, R. Dolin. Churchill Livingstone, 2000; p. 980

The main route of administration of AMPs is intravenous. According to indications (secondary bacterial meningitis against the background of sepsis, especially polymicrobial sepsis, purulent complications of traumatic brain injuries and operations, etc.), intravenous and endolumbar administration can be combined (Table 7). Only AMPs that poorly penetrate the CSF (aminoglycosides, vancomycin) are administered endolumbarally. The drugs can be used in the form of mono- or combination therapy. The indication for changing AMPs is the absence of positive clinical and laboratory dynamics of the patient’s condition or the appearance of signs of an undesirable effect of the drug.

Table 7. Doses of antimicrobial drugs for endolumbar administration

In addition to compliance with single and daily doses of antimicrobial agents, the duration of their administration is important for bacterial meningitis.

To treat meningitis caused by spirochetes, drugs with the appropriate spectrum of activity are used (Table 4).

MENINGITIS AS A SYNDROME OF A CHRONIC INFECTIOUS PROCESS

In a number of infections characterized by a chronic course, the process may spread to the membranes of the brain. In this case, meningeal syndrome may occur and the composition of the CSF changes.

From the point of view of complications of chronic infections, tuberculous meningitis poses the greatest danger. Delayed treatment of this meningitis often leads to an unfavorable outcome. Appearance diagnostic systems based on PCR significantly reduced the duration of the examination and significantly increased the effectiveness of treatment.

Damage to the meninges can also be observed in other infections: brucellosis, cysticercosis, syphilis, borreliosis, coccidioidosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, etc.

Choice of antimicrobials

Treatment of this meningitis is determined by the underlying disease. Very often, it seems almost impossible to find out the etiology of the process. In this case, along with continuing the search for the pathogen, the so-called trial empirical treatment is used. For example, if tuberculous meningitis is suspected, anti-tuberculosis drugs are prescribed and, when clinical improvement occurs, the course of therapy is completed. If candidiasis is suspected, a trial treatment with fluconazole is used.

BRAIN ABSCESS

Brain abscess- an accumulation of brain detritus, leukocytes, pus and bacteria limited by the capsule.

The etiological cause of a brain abscess can be bacteria, fungi, protozoa and helminths. Of the bacterial pathogens, the most common are viridans streptococci ( S.anginosus, S.constellatus And S.intermedius), which occur in 70% of cases. In 30-60% they are accompanied by other bacteria. S. aureus sown in 10-15% of patients, often in monoculture, especially in cases of traumatic brain injury and infective endocarditis. Anaerobes are isolated in 40-100%, with 20-40% being bacteroides or prevotella. Enterobacteriaceae occur in 23-33% of cases, especially often during otogenic infection or in patients with immunological disorders.

When using immunosuppressive therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and corticosteroids, the risk of developing a brain abscess of fungal etiology increases. As with meningitis, the etiology of brain abscess depends on the premorbid background (Table 8).

www.antibiotic.ru

Modern methods of treating meningitis of various etiologies

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This is a dangerous disease that, if not treated in a timely manner, often leads to death or disability.

Treatment of meningitis is carried out only in a hospital; it cannot be done at home.

Causes of the disease

Meningitis or inflammation of the meninges in adults may occur primarily, or the infection penetrates into the cranial cavity and spinal canal from another source of infection. There are also bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal and some other mixed forms. According to the type of course, acute, subacute, chronic and fulminant meningitis of the brain is distinguished. Moreover, fulminant meningitis can lead to death in 1-2 days, and chronic meningitis in adults lasts for several months or years.

Purulent meningitis caused by meningococcus is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets

Infection with meningitis occurs through airborne droplets, so the infection spreads quickly and can become an epidemic. The most common causes of cerebral meningitis in adults are meningococcal infection, pneumococcal infection, and Haemophilus influenzae. Viral meningitis caused by the mumps virus and rubella is milder, and the meningeal symptoms are less pronounced. Fungal infections occur against the background of a decrease in general immunity. Meningitis in adults with tuberculosis is characterized by a gradual development with a predominance of symptoms of intoxication.

Infection from the membranes of the brain spreads to brain tissue and nerves, their damage leads to irreversible changes, in particular to deafness, blindness and disability of the patient. That's why timely treatment plays an important role. If symptoms of damage to the membranes of the brain are detected, without wasting time, you need to urgently call an ambulance. Treat the patient at home traditional methods, herbs are not allowed.

Symptoms of meningitis in adults may include the following:

• headache, and it is unbearable, bursting, pills, medications do not help; in children, a long continuous cry, similar to a groan, is one of the clearest symptoms of meningitis;
• elevated temperature occurs against the background of intoxication of the body;
• vomiting, frequent, profuse, caused by irritation of the meninges;
• excitement, followed by stupor, lethargy; consciousness is often impaired, hallucinations and delusions are possible;
• phono- and photophobia;
• strabismus often occurs;
• meningococcal infection often leads to the formation of pinpoint rashes on the patient's skin throughout the body.

As a rule, headaches with meningitis are usually observed from the very beginning of the disease.

• meningeal position in bed with the head thrown back, legs bent at the knees, arms brought to the chest and bent at the elbow joints;
• stiff neck; the patient’s head cannot be bent forward due to severe pain;
• symptoms of irritation of the cranial nerves, tapping on the zygomatic bone causes a painful grimace (Bechterew's symptom), when bending the head, dilation of the pupils occurs (Flatau's symptom) and others.

Pre-hospital treatment

Emergency care should be provided to the patient already at prehospital stage, since little time passes from the onset of the disease to the development of symptoms of membrane damage, most often 24 hours. Moreover, in adult patients, before the development of meningeal symptoms, intoxication and impaired cardiovascular activity are observed, which can lead to infectious-toxic shock.

Emergency care at home is carried out by an ambulance team and includes:

• Preparing the patient for transportation. In acute or fulminant forms of the disease, with meningitis in adults, before transportation, hormones (Dexamethasone, Prednisolone) are administered intravenously together with solutions of glucose, Eufillin.
• Prevention of cerebral edema. The administration of diuretics (Lasix, Furosemide) is indicated.
• Antibiotic therapy. It is necessary to give a maximum dose of penicillin 3 million units intramuscularly.
• Fighting shock. The development of symptoms of infectious-toxic shock requires starting infusion therapy with crystalloid solutions (saline, 5% glucose solution) with hormones (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone) and vitamin C up to 1000 mg. With a strong decrease blood pressure The administration of Polyglucin, Reopoliglucin and cardiac drugs is also indicated.
• Anticonvulsant treatment. Emergency help for the development of seizures is to administer Seduxen; it can be done with Haloperidol, Diphenhydramine and Amidopyrine at the same time to relieve the temperature.

Treatment of meningitis is carried out only in a hospital

To the extent possible, after urgent Care, the patient is taken to the hospital as quickly as possible. Treatment of meningitis is usually carried out in the intensive care unit of an infectious diseases hospital; with secondary meningitis after a traumatic brain injury, the patient can be treated in intensive care or intensive care without moving him to the infectious diseases department.

To provide specialized care to children with serous meningitis, by order of the Russian Ministry of Health, a standard has been developed that includes all the necessary measures for diagnosing and treating the disease. The standard includes diseases such as enteroviral meningitis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, meningitis caused by measles, mycoses and other bacteria.

The diagnosis is made based on the detection of symptoms of irritation of the meninges, intoxication and changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid. To do this, upon admission the patient undergoes a lumbar puncture. Lumbar puncture is done not only for diagnostic purposes, but also as an emergency aid to reduce intracranial pressure.

It must be done with caution, since with meningitis the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid is increased. The danger when performing a lumbar function is that with a rapid leak of cerebrospinal fluid, herniation of the brain stem and death are possible.

During a laboratory study of the cerebrospinal fluid, a sharp increase in the number of cells and protein is detected. Thus, with purulent bacterial meningitis, the number of neutrophils in the cerebrospinal fluid is increased, and the concentration of glucose and chlorides is reduced. With serous viral meningitis, lymphocytes are detected, the concentration of glucose and chlorides is increased.

Lumbar puncture for suspected meningitis is almost always prescribed

In addition to determining the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid, in order to detect the pathogen, it is examined for the presence of a bacterial agent (bacterioscopy), cultured for sensitivity to antibiotics, and serodiagnostics to detect antibodies to viruses.

Lumbar puncture can alleviate the patient’s condition, however, with bacterial meningitis this is a temporary phenomenon, therefore, during the treatment process, it is used not only as a diagnostic, but also medical procedure, to reduce intracranial pressure and administer antibiotics.

For serous, viral meningitis, lumbar puncture is the main method of treatment. Often its implementation is a turning point in the course of the disease.

Treatment in a hospital setting

The principles of treatment in a hospital setting are as follows:

• antibacterial therapy;
• detoxification therapy:
• anti-inflammatory hormone therapy;
• symptomatic therapy to prevent cerebral edema and maintain vital body functions, including resuscitation care(ventilator);
• elimination of a purulent focus in the treatment of secondary meningitis.

Features of prescribing antibiotics for meningitis

Since it is not always possible to immediately determine which infectious agent caused the development of meningitis, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. It is necessary to consider how these drugs penetrate the blood-brain barrier, for example, Clindamycin, Lincomycin, Gentamicin are not prescribed. But Gentamicin, Tobramycin or Vancomycin can be used for intralumbar administration.

For meningitis, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed

Penicillin, Ampicillin, third-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems are used, as they are able to affect almost all microorganisms that are usually found in meningitis (meningococci, pneumococci and others). In case of serious condition of the patient, antibacterial therapy can be carried out with a combination of antibiotics penicillin series or cephalosporins with other groups of antibacterial drugs.

Antibiotics are administered only parenterally, some intravenously (Ceftriaxone), tablets are not used. They are prescribed in maximum doses, several times a day, according to the instructions of the selected drug. If indicated, a lumbar puncture is performed daily or 72 hours after the start of antibiotic administration. If the laboratory analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid has not improved, and this is done by comparing cytosis, protein amounts, glucose and chloride concentrations, the antibiotic should be changed.

When culture data on sensitivity to antibiotics is obtained, the drug can be changed again, taking into account the sensitivity. If the sensitivity of the drugs is equal, preference is given to the least toxic ones, since therapy should be carried out for at least ten days, sometimes longer in case of complications or the presence of purulent foci of infection.

Treatment of pneumococcal meningitis presents certain difficulties, since many strains of pneumococci are often resistant to antibiotics, so the principles of their combined administration and monitoring changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid provide best effect, until the result of the sensitivity test is obtained.

Features of infusion therapy

Principles of conducting infusion therapy, its goals and objectives are as follows:

• Treatment or prevention of infectious-toxic shock. To do this, detoxification is carried out, the volume of circulating blood is restored with the help of crystalloid and colloid solutions, albumin, and plasma.
• Fighting cerebral edema. Includes the administration of osmotic diuretics (Mannitol), under the control of the water-electrolyte balance of the blood against the background of forced diuresis (Lasix, Furosemide). Oxygen therapy is prescribed.
• Maintaining the physiological needs of the body and acid-base balance.

Additional treatments

As additional methods Treatment is prescribed drugs to relieve fever, convulsive syndrome, prevent neurological complications (nootropics), anti-inflammatory and antihistamines. After confirming the diagnosis of viral meningitis, interferon can be used.

In case of severe meningitis, the patient is prescribed endolumbar administration of antibiotics, in which the drugs enter directly into the spinal canal

When treating secondary meningitis, measures are taken to eliminate or sanitize the source of infection (otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia). When complications occur, such as brain abscesses, surgical treatment is indicated.

Meningitis is a serious disease that can lead to various neurological complications and death. A patient with meningitis needs specialized medical care. Carrying out treatment with traditional methods (herbs), as well as doing any manipulations at home, is dangerous.

Meningitis- inflammation of the membrane of the brain or spinal cord. Caused by infection or irritation.

Acute - caused by bacteria

Subacute - a consequence of tuberculosis/syphilis

Acute - caused by viruses

Subacute - a consequence of various diseases

("The Merck Manual", 16th edition)

Patrick Rattigan (England)

Vaccinations - the threat of degeneration

(excerpt from article)

Meningitis vaccine: facts among lies

Meningococcus bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis) live in the human nasopharynx and are spread by coughing, sneezing and spitting saliva. In human society, they occur on an endemic scale, present in the body of one in six of us, and without causing any symptoms of the disease, unless the host's immune system is damaged. In most people, this damage is the result of vaccinations. Antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, etc. also play an important role in damaging the immune system and increasing the risk of meningitis and many other diseases.

There are groups of meningococci from A to Z, but only A, B, C, W135 and Y are considered dangerous.

When bacteria leave the nasopharynx and invade the circulatory system, it is called septicemia. When they penetrate and damage the head or spinal cord, this is meningitis.

If you have been a carrier of one form of meningococcus for some time, you develop protective antibodies to ALL groups (1). This does NOT apply to people who have undergone an invasion process, i.e., who have had meningitis or septicemia. Such people develop immunity ONLY to the pathogens of the disease. This also does not apply to those vaccinated against any one group of bacteria.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the majority of cases of the disease were caused by pathogens from group A. Since the 1960s, the majority of cases were already caused by group B. In the last ten years, the percentage of diseases caused by group C has increased sharply. It has grown from 30% to 40%. . This group causes more cases among the older age group, especially those aged 15 to 24 years, with a higher mortality rate in this group (15% compared to 5% in infants). the incidence of septicemia also increased in this group. What might have happened to the immune system of this age group over the past 10 years? (1)

In 1988, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine began to be widely used. These are three live viral vaccines in one injection, injected directly into the blood, bypassing immune system protection.

In addition, here (in the UK. — approx. lane) there was also a campaign against measles and rubella in 1994, when about seven million children from 5 to 16 years old were vaccinated, some of them for the second and third time, against measles. These children are now studying at universities. Before starting classes, they also received another dose of tetanus vaccine and polio vaccine. When I heard about a 14-year-old boy who died from group C meningitis, I remember asking myself how long ago he had received the BCG shot (another live vaccine shot). How can we reduce the likelihood that the meningococci our child carries will enter his blood or brain? By providing him with a healthy diet, as much fresh air and parental love as possible. When your child catches a cold and runny nose, don't give him unnecessary antibiotics or suppress symptoms with paracetamol and antihistamines. Instead, give him plenty of fluids, avoid dairy products, remember rest and supportive therapies such as homeopathy. Then the child will survive this period, becoming after the illness not weaker and more helpless, but, on the contrary, stronger and more resilient. WOULD I GET THIS VACCINATION FOR MY CHILDREN? NO! (1)

There is no evidence that any vaccine is safe or effective. The only large-scale study of BCG showed a higher incidence of tuberculosis in the vaccinated group than in the control group. Increased level antibodies (“immunogenicity”) to meningitis C, and not only to it, does not mean immunity. Recently in Switzerland, three mumps vaccines that increase antibody levels failed to show any “immunization.” (2)

Hot on the heels of the 1994 measles and rubella vaccine scam, the government "emergency" launched an anti-meningitis campaign to vaccinate university students in September 1999.

However, they forgot to tell the students that this whole combination was invented in order to get rid of stocks of the old vaccine, developed 20 years ago, which was no longer used. This campaign freed up warehouse shelves for a new meningitis vaccine that was equally useless but much more profitable.

“We have a limited supply of the new vaccine, so we are not offering it to students. It is only for 2, 3 and 4 month old children who really urgently need it,” from a speech by a representative of the Department of Health. (3)

And this after the medical-pharmaceutical-political mafia and its henchmen from the media screamed hysterically that the vaccine was “really urgently needed” by students!

• Dr Jayne M L Donegan MB BS DRCOG DCH MRCGP General Medical Practitioner, South London
• BMJ 1999 319 352-3
• Tony Edwards WDDTY Nov 1999

Reduction of carriage of group C meningococci as a result of the vaccination campaign against meningitis C

The Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes the results of a study of carriage of group C meningococci in the UK published on 25 May 2002 in The Lancet by Martin S. J. Maiden and James M. Stewart. The article shows that in the tested group of 15-17 year old subjects, there was a 66% reduction in carriage of group C meningococcal bacteria since the start of the meningitis and septicemia vaccination program for all children under 18 years of age in November 1999.

The decline in carrier rates is good news because it means a reduction in the likelihood of contracting type C, even for those who have not been vaccinated and for young children who have not had a full course of childhood vaccinations.

The studies also showed that there was no significant change in the carriage of other forms of meningococci. This confirms that, despite the significant success of the vaccination campaign against meningitis C, other forms of the disease remain at least as likely as ever. Therefore, constant vigilance is necessary against group B and other forms of the disease that continue to be vaccine-preventable.

Same site, questions and answers:

Can I get meningitis? The risk of contracting meningococcal disease, the most common cause of meningitis and septicemia, is very small, even if you have been in contact with someone who is sick. The bacteria that cause meningitis and septicemia are very common. Most of us are carriers of them at one point or another in our lives, and we don’t get sick. Only a very small proportion of the population develops meningitis when exposed to these bacteria.

The bacterium is extremely weak. It lives outside the human body for a very short time, so it cannot survive in the air and be transmitted through household items - clothing, toys, furniture. This means that in order for bacteria to get to you from another carrier, you need very close contact with him. Although this happens very often, the chance of developing meningitis or septicemia is very small because most of us have natural defenses against bacteria.

Side effects of the meningitis C vaccine

Other links to publications demonstrating the danger and ineffectiveness of the vaccine

Call to review cause of meningitis-related death demands answers

Concerned politicians are pressing Scotland's health secretary to provide more information about possible adverse reactions to the meningitis C vaccine. The concerns follow a report last week in The Observer that parents were being denied access to statistics.

New figures released last week showed 12 vaccine-related deaths, including the case of 14-year-old schoolboy Keith McGregor from Aberdeenshire, who died five days after receiving the jab in March.

Brian Adam, the Scottish National Party MP for the North West District of Scotland and a biochemist by training, proposed a parliamentary motion calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Keith's death.

The question is one of six in the proposed request formulated Friday. Adam also suggested asking for data on meningitis cases in Scotland for the current year and the number of adverse reactions to the vaccine recorded in Scotland.

It also asks whether the vaccine has been clinically tested, whether it has been approved in other countries, and why national health authorities are using a different reporting system for this vaccine.

“I have no desire to cause panic. Meningitis C is a serious source of infection and any steps to reduce the risk are welcome,” Adam said, “but it is our responsibility to conduct as full an investigation as possible.”

Kay Ulrich, a health department official, plans to ask her questions about the vaccine on Monday. She will ask whether doctors were warned not to give the shot to high-risk groups after drug regulators reported cases of seizures and heart problems in some vaccinated patients.

What is meningitis? This is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be caused by a number of bacteria, among which meningococci are known as the most dangerous, and various viruses. Bacterial meningitis, with symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and rash, is most serious; Even death is possible.

Why is a new vaccine needed? It aims to protect against group C meningococcal disease, which causes four out of 10 cases of meningitis, with outbreaks occurring mainly among teenagers. The vaccine is offered to children under 18 throughout the UK. — approx. lane). The vaccine does not protect against group B meningococci.

How effective is the vaccine according to the government? The government claims that the vaccine has reduced the incidence of the disease by 85%. Officials show there have been six cases in the 15-17 year old group over the past 12 weeks; for the same period last year - 26 cases.

How effective is the vaccine really? Since the beginning of the year, 587 cases of the disease have been recorded, in the same period last year - 713, that is, 18% less this year. In London, East Anglia and the West Midlands, the number of cases has even increased.

What is the risk of this vaccine? Doctors recorded 16,527 cases of adverse reactions.

Unfortunately, The Observer never returned to the topic of the boy’s tragic death after vaccination. Probably, as is usual in such cases, the matter was slowly let go of the “random coincidence” brakes. Another article was published in the same issue of The Observer.

Meningitis advisors are paid by pharmaceutical companies

Martin Bright, Tracey McVeigh

Fresh controversy surrounding the UK's meningitis C vaccination program

The Observer has found that four of the medical experts on a government panel examining the safety of a new meningitis C vaccine have ties to at least one pharmaceutical company that makes the vaccine. The discovery, following a report last week of a cover-up of the drug's side effects, has raised concerns among parents and doctors about conflicts of interest in the medical profession.

Last night the Department of Health confirmed that Professor Janet Derbyshire, a member of the government's safety commission medical supplies, received research funding from the American firms Wyatt and Kyron, which produce the two main meningitis vaccines used for children in Britain: Meningitek and Meninjugate. Darbyshire is professor of epidemiology at the University of London and director of the Medical Research Council.

The Department of Health also confirmed that three members of the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization have declared an interest in vaccine companies. One of them, Dr. David Goldblatt of the Institute of Child Health, was on a panel of expert advisors to Wyeth and has received research grants from Wyeth and the North American Vaccines Company, which is releasing a third anti-inflammatory drug this year. meningitis C. Another, Professor Keith Cartwright of the University of Bristol, received funds from pharmacists to “evaluate future meningococcal vaccines.”

The revelation of links between advisers and pharmacists comes as the government's top health official slammed a story published in The Observer last week about how information about possible adverse reactions to the vaccine was being kept from patients. In a letter to the publication published today, Professor Liam Donaldson insists that information on vaccine reactions is provided, on request, to members of the public, doctors and health professionals by medicines regulators. He said: “There is and never has been any ‘cover-up’ of facts or suppression of information about recorded deaths or suspected adverse reactions to the meningitis C vaccine.”

This week, every GP in the country will receive an opinion from two panels reassuring the safety of the meningitis C vaccine. This opinion is signed by Professor Alasdair Breckenridge of the Safety Commission medicines and Professor Michael Langman of the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization, comments on information published in The Observer last week about adverse reactions to the new vaccine reported by doctors and nurses. It talks about 16,527 cases of adverse reactions in 7,742 patients and 12 deaths recorded. It is also mentioned that none of the deaths recorded by doctors were found to be related to the vaccine.

In the end, the conclusion states: “The risk-benefit ratio of the vaccine clearly favors its use. There is no reason to say that the vaccine caused anyone's death. We strongly recommend the meningitis C vaccine to everyone who is eligible for vaccination.”

Latest figures show more than 15 million doses of meningitis C vaccine have been given to children and teenagers in the past 10 months. Public Health Laboratory Services statistics show there have been just six cases of meningitis in the past 12 weeks, compared with 26 in the same period last year . In the group of children under one year old, only one case was recorded, compared to 19 in 1999.

Despite assurances that information about potential vaccine reactions is widely available, parents who called drug regulators told us they were still being denied information.

In North Somerset, one mother of a 13-year-old was told she "didn't need to know" this information. “My son is due to have his vaccine soon and having read The Observer last week which said there are numbers on adverse reactions, I want to see the numbers. I believe that as a mother, I have the right to get all the information before making a decision,” she says. The agency employee answered her: “Such stories should not be taken seriously, madam.”

The second parent who called was told that the commission did not have such information and was sent to the doctor. The third finally received a copy of the letter sent to medical practitioners.

The figures compiled by the commission are based on the so-called “yellow card system”. The system is aimed at obtaining information from professional health workers about all cases where there is a suspicion of by-effect medicines. They are asked to report reactions regardless of whether there is an obvious connection with the vaccine or not. The 12 deaths caused by the scheme may be an understatement, as only about 15% of all doctors and health workers use the yellow card system. The Department of Health believes that with the new drug, more doctors are using this system.

Norman Baker, a representative of the Consumer Protection Committee (Liberal Democratic Party), submitted a parliamentary inquiry regarding the financial interests of members of the advisory committees of the Ministry of Health. Yesterday he said: “This is a matter of principle. There are many independent people who can give an opinion on this issue; there is no need to resort to specialists with such an obvious conflict of interest. I have no doubt about their professional competence, but in the interests of the case, their conclusion must be viewed in that context.”

Conservative health spokesman Liam Fox, a doctor, said the government needed to reassure the public.

Wyeth's meningitis vaccine was licensed by the minister in November last year, when the mass immunization program began, on the recommendation of the drug safety commission. The Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization has also recommended this vaccine for use.

Wyatt spokesman Don Barrett says the amounts paid for research to members of government commissions are confidential. Chiron, whose vaccine went into widespread use in April, estimates the government deal will generate $200 million in revenue.

Controversy also hit the Wyatt-funded National Meningitis Trust last night over their refusal to disclose the amount of money they received from the pharmaceutical giant. In a statement, board member Philip Kirby said: “We are committed to strongly refuting any suggestion that the information we provide is not fully objective or accurate.”

This week, Victoria Beckham, star of the Spice Girls group, admitted that she had been suffering from viral meningitis, a milder form of the disease. When the doctors insisted on complete rest, Victoria canceled several public events and returned home from Germany. Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and usually clears up in one to two weeks without treatment.

Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae as the causative agent of meningitis: connection with diabetes

Haemophilus influenzae meningitis vaccine causes diabetes - evidence from clinical observations of more than 100,000 children; many people with diabetes are entitled to compensation

“Modern vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae are almost 100% effective and can be safely used starting at the age of 2 months”

The practical meaning of vaccination against hemophilus influenzae for children in the first year of life is to protect against the most dangerous forms hemophilus influenzae infection - sepsis and meningitis, since the peak incidence of these forms occurs at 6-12 months. For children who are vaccinated over the age of 12 months, vaccination makes sense in terms of protection primarily against other Hib infections - pneumonia (up to 20% of all cases in children under 5 years of age are caused by Haemophilus influenzae), acute otitis media (about 15% cases), bronchitis (10-15% of cases).

In the absence of mandatory vaccination, vaccinations are especially recommended:

• Formula-fed babies, since they do not receive antibodies against infection from their mother's milk,
• Premature babies
• Children from large and low-income families,
• Children attending or planning to attend preschool institutions,
• Children with various forms of immunodeficiency,
• Children with blood diseases and a removed spleen.

Aseptic meningitis as a reaction to other vaccinations

(Letter from Dr. Daniel Duffy Sr., June 4, 2001)

The current panic about meningitis is just that: a panic.

1. Meningitis - no contagious disease, which can be “picked up” from each other.

Vaccination for children against meningitis: at what age is vaccination carried out?

Vaccination today remains the only reliable way to prevent infection with dangerous diseases. A disease such as meningitis most often affects children under 3 years of age and entails extremely dangerous consequences. However, any intervention in the human immune system is fraught with risks and is not absolutely safe. So should you vaccinate your child against meningitis? What types of vaccines are there? To whom is this vaccination contraindicated? Let's figure it out together.

What is meningitis and why is it dangerous?

Meningitis is epidemic. Most often it affects children aged 2-2.5 months to 3 years. Infection often occurs in children's groups, but there is a risk of catching the infection even from a healthy carrier. Infection with meningococcal infection can lead to tragic consequences. How fulfilling the baby’s life will be depends on timely treatment.

Who needs immunization?

Vaccination against meningitis is not part of the approved vaccination schedule. Mass immunization is carried out only if an outbreak of disease is registered and only in outbreak areas. It is recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal infection in the following cases:

• children suffering from immunodeficiency;
• children aged 1.5-2 years attending preschool institutions;
• if the child lives in a region with high level illness or plans to visit such a region even for a short period of time;
• When a child with suspected meningitis appears in a group, all children aged 1–8 years who have contact and live in the same building with him are vaccinated, and adolescents are also immunized;
• at the request of the parents (vaccination is carried out at their expense);
• During an epidemic, universal immunization is carried out (an epidemic is a situation when 20 or more cases of infection are registered per 100 thousand children).

Types of vaccines against meningitis with drug names

There are several types of microorganisms that provoke the development of the disease. As a rule, immunization is carried out against the most dangerous pathogens. If parents want to ensure full protection of the child, they will need to vaccinate him with pneumococcal, meningococcal and hemophilus influenzae vaccines.

Drugs against meningococci

Meningococcal vaccines are effective as a means of emergency prevention in epidemic areas. They rarely call adverse reactions, are practically harmless, compatible with other vaccines (can be administered in one syringe). Requires a single injection. The maximum amount of antibodies is reached on the 14th day after vaccination. Vaccines are usually used against pathogens of groups A, B and C.

Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae

For children at risk, vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae was included in the national vaccination calendar, so you can get it at your local clinic for free. Immunization is carried out simultaneously with DPT vaccination, providing children with lifelong protection against hemophilic meningitis. Exists:

• A separate drug is a monovaccine against Haemophilus influenzae called Hiberix.
• Complex vaccinations - Infanrix Hexa and Pentaxim. They protect the baby from several varieties at once dangerous diseases. In addition to the hemophilic component, their list also includes whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Pneumococcal meningitis vaccine

Children who often suffer from bronchitis for a long time are routinely vaccinated free of charge with the vaccine against pneumococcal meningitis Prevenar 13. Vaccination can be carried out from the age of two months until the child reaches 5 years of age. The vaccine is given 4 times, and it provides lifelong protection against pneumococcal meningitis.

Also, in some cases, the French drug Pneumo 23 is used. It is suitable for vaccinating children from 2 years of age, providing reliable protection against pneumococcal meningitis, as well as against pneumonia for 10 years.

Vaccination schedule

It is recommended that children be immunized against meningitis according to a specific schedule. It's best to discuss this with your pediatrician. If a child under 2 years of age is vaccinated, revaccination is carried out 3 months after the first immunization. To consolidate the result and ensure reliable protection, it is recommended to give another vaccination 3 years after revaccination.

Vaccination against hemophilic meningitis in children with Hiberix is ​​carried out 4 times. The baby is vaccinated for the first time at three months of age. Revaccination is carried out after 6 weeks. The third vaccination is given at six months of age. The final vaccination is carried out when the baby reaches the age of 1 year 6 months.

How does the vaccine work and how long does it protect?

The group of meningococci includes several subgroups of bacteria that cause the disease. Meningitis vaccines contain certain substances. Depending on their set, immunization can protect a child from one type of bacteria or prevent infection by several at once.

Epidemics are usually provoked by bacteria belonging to subgroup A. However, in our country, meningitis caused by pathogens from subgroup B is most often recorded. Scientists have not yet developed an effective and affordable vaccine against bacteria of this subgroup. However, immunization against other types of meningitis is justified and is a necessity to protect the baby’s health.

When the drug is administered, the production of antibodies is stimulated in the child’s body. The latter actively suppress living bacteria that penetrate the blood, preventing their vital activity and reproduction, that is, preventing the development of meningitis. Thus, the child receives natural protection against this dangerous disease.

It is important to carry out immunization in a timely manner. Antibodies to pathogens appear in the baby’s blood already on the 5th day after vaccination, but their maximum quantity, sufficient to prevent infection, is reached only after two weeks. There are also vaccines for emergency immunization in epidemic areas.

The duration of immune protection depends on the type of drug administered and the immunization regimen. Vaccines used in very young children require four doses to provide sustained protection.

Contraindications for vaccination

An absolute contraindication for immunization against any form of meningitis is the presence of any acute disease in the baby. In such cases, the child is vaccinated only after complete recovery. Vaccinate children suffering from the disease mild form, allowed. The main contraindication to vaccination in adults, in addition to acute pathological processes, is pregnancy.

The body's response to the drug and possible complications

Vaccines against any form of meningitis are characterized by low reactogenicity, that is, the vast majority of children tolerate the vaccine well, without complications. Sometimes painful swelling appears at the injection site, hyperemia or general weakness is noted. These reactions are usually mild and resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours.

In rare cases, a vaccine against meningitis pathogens, like any other, can provoke severe allergic reactions. Their symptoms appear quickly - within a few minutes after administration, but sometimes symptoms appear only after a few hours.

A child needs urgent medical attention if the following signs of an allergy to the vaccine appear:

• high body temperature;
• pallor;
• dizziness;
• hives;
• tachycardia;
• severe shortness of breath with wheezing (they can be whistling or muffled);
• difficulty breathing, accompanied by swelling of the larynx and/or mouth.

Pros and cons of vaccinating children

Now some parents refuse to vaccinate their children for various reasons, but only those based on medical contraindications are justified. Vaccinations included in the national calendar help avoid epidemics and keep many children healthy.

There are no absolute negative properties of the meningitis vaccine, and immunization of every child is recommended. Arguments for:

1. This is the only reliable way to prevent the development of meningitis in a child. No preventive measures give a similar or even close in effectiveness result.
2. The qualifications of medical personnel, especially in the regions, often leave much to be desired. Many inexperienced doctors are unable to recognize nasopharyngitis and differentiate it from less dangerous diseases of the ENT organs.
3. If you plan to travel to the “meningitis zones” (this includes Canada and the countries of the African continent), vaccination must be carried out - it can save the health and life of the baby.
4. The vaccination is well tolerated and rarely causes complications. Moreover, its effectiveness varies between 95-100%.
5. Immunization with hemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal vaccines not only protects the child from infection with the corresponding types of meningitis, but also can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. According to research, these two vaccinations make it possible to remove a child from the group of people who often suffer from these diseases.
6. If at least one of the parents or close relatives suffered from meningitis in childhood, it is recommended to vaccinate the baby with the meningococcal vaccine.

Meningitis is an infectious inflammatory disease, affecting the membranes of the brain. Pathology can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• headache;
• high body temperature;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• increased light and sound sensitivity;
• numbness of the neck.

Types of tablets for meningitis

Antibiotics

These drugs can be administered intravenously or taken orally as tablets for meningitis. Prescribed in maximum dosage several times a day. Thanks to antibiotics, it is possible to stop bacteria, prevent complications and improve the patient’s condition.

Important! Every 72 hours after taking the drug, a lumbar puncture must be performed. If the laboratory analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid does not improve, then the antibiotic is changed.

Antibacterial and antiviral

With the help of antibacterial and antiviral drugs, it is possible to inhibit the interaction between the virus and the cell different stages development of the disease.

Vitamins

When treating meningitis, vitamins B and C are prescribed. They have a tonic effect on the nervous and muscular systems, improve biochemical processes in human body. For example, vitamin B1 has an analgesic effect, has positive influence on the well-being of patients.

Diuretics

These medications are prescribed to prevent brain swelling. Accept diuretic when treating meningitis, it is necessary in combination with drinking large quantities of fluid.

The best and inexpensive medicines

Antibiotics with good penetrating properties

Amoxicillin for meningitis

Is one of the best and inexpensive tablets from meningitis. This is a combined antibiotic with a wide spectrum of effects. It contains 2 active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. They have a bactericidal effect. The drug has the following indications:

Amoxicillin for meningitis in adults is prescribed a dosage of 6 g per day, taken in 3-4 doses. Children are prescribed 250-500 mg per day in 3 doses. The average cost of a medicine is 51 rubles.

Amoxiclav

This antibacterial drug combined action. In the role active substance amoxicillin is used. This is an antibiotic of the penicillin group with a wide spectrum of effects.

The drug is prescribed for the treatment of such pathologies:

Amoxiclav tablets, for meningitis, should be dissolved in ½ glass of water before use. Then stir the resulting mixture and consume. This dosage is calculated for children weighing 40 kg and adults. Price 370 rub.

Cefuroxime

This is a cephalosporin antibiotic that has a bactericidal effect. Has the following indications for use:

The dosage is 250 mg 2 times a day. Duration of therapy is 7 days. Cost 112 rub.

Aztreons

This antibiotic belongs to the monobactam group. Has a narrow range of influence. Active against some strains of aerobic gram-negative bacteria.

Has a pronounced bactericidal effect. The medicine is prescribed for the treatment of those patients who suffer from infectious diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to the influence of Aztreonam.

Reference! In addition, a cure has been found active use in the treatment of meningitis and peritonitis. This antibiotic can be used as a prophylactic agent during surgical interventions.

The drug is used parenterally. The powder must be dissolved right before the injection.

For intramuscular injection Dissolve the contents of the bottle in the required amount of liquid. For 500 mg of the substance, take 1.5 ml of water for injection. The cost of this antibiotic is 3850 rubles.

With medium penetrating properties

Ketoconazole

This is an antifungal agent with a wide range of effects. Its action is reduced to inhibition of the synthesis of ergosterol, phospholipids and triglycerides. As a result of this effect, the permeability of the cell wall is disrupted and a mycostatic effect is achieved. The drug is taken orally once a day. For adults, the dosage is 1 tablet. The course of treatment is 2-8 weeks. The price of the drug is 200 rubles.

Norfloxacin

This is a synthetic antibacterial drug that has a wide range of effects. Its effect is reduced to disruption of protein synthesis, as a result of which microorganisms die. Prescribed medication for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory pathologies, which are caused by microorganisms sensitive to norfoxacin.

Take the tablets 2 hours before meals. The dosage is 400 mg 2-3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 5 days. The price of the medicine is 118 rubles.

With low

Amphotericin

This is an antifungal antibiotic with a wide spectrum of effects and belongs to the group of polyenes. Intended for parenteral and inhalation use in the treatment of the following pathologies:

The dosage of the medicine for meningitis is set individually for each patient at the rate of 250 units/kg body weight. The price of the drug is 88 rubles.

Clindamycin

This is a semi-synthetic antibiotic. Has bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects, depending on the sensitivity of the pathogenic microflora and the concentration of the antibacterial drug.

Adults are prescribed 600-1800 mg, divided into 3 doses. Children 8-25 mg per day for 3-4 doses. Children from 6 years of age can take the drug. The cost of the medicine is 660 rubles.

Is it possible to buy drugs without a doctor's prescription?

There are a number of medications used to treat meningitis that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Despite this, you should not use them without the knowledge of a specialist.

If you want to consult with the site’s specialists or ask your question, then you can do so completely for free in comments.

And if you have a question that goes beyond the scope of this topic, use the button Ask a Question higher.

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article we will look at a disease of the meninges, such as meningitis, as well as its first signs, symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, prevention and treatment with traditional and folk remedies. So…

What is meningitis?

Meningitis– infectious inflammatory disease of the membranes of the spinal cord and/or brain.

The main symptoms of meningitis are headache, high body temperature, disturbances of consciousness, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and numbness of the neck.

The main causes of meningitis are fungi. Often, this disease becomes a complication of others, and often ends in death, especially if its cause is bacteria and fungi.

The basis of treatment for meningitis is antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal therapy, depending on the causative agent of the disease, and only in a hospital setting.

Meningitis in children and men is most common, especially the number of cases increases in the autumn-winter-spring period, from November to April. This is facilitated by factors such as temperature fluctuations, hypothermia, a limited amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, and insufficient ventilation in rooms with a large number of people.

Scientists also noticed a 10-15 year cyclical pattern of this disease, when the number of patients especially increases. Moreover, in countries with poor sanitary living conditions (Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America), the number of patients with meningitis is usually 40 times higher than among European residents.

How is meningitis transmitted?

Like many other infectious diseases, meningitis can be transmitted in a fairly large number of ways, but the most common of them are:

• airborne droplets (via,);
• contact and household (non-compliance), through kisses;
• oral-fecal (eating unwashed foods, as well as eating with unwashed hands);
• hematogenous (through blood);
• lymphogenous (through lymph);
• placental route (infection occurs during childbirth);
• through ingestion of contaminated water (by swimming in polluted waters or drinking dirty water).

Incubation period of meningitis

Basically, to relieve viral meningitis, a combination of the following drugs: “Interferon” + “Glucocorticosteroids”.

Additionally, barbiturates, nootropic drugs, a protein diet containing large amounts, especially various antiviral drugs(depending on the type of virus).

3.3. Antifungal therapy

Treatment for fungal meningitis usually involves taking the following medications:

For cryptococcal and candidal meningitis (Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp): “Amphotericin B” + “5-Flucytosine”.

• The dose of Amphotericin B is 0.3 mg per 1 kg per day.
• The dose of Flucytosine is 150 mg per 1 kg per day.

Additionally, Fluconazole may be prescribed.

3.4. Detoxification therapy

To remove waste products of infection (toxins) from the body, which poison the body and further weaken the immune system and the normal functioning of other organs and systems, detoxification therapy is used.

To remove toxins from the body, use: “Atoxil”, “Enterosgel”.

For the same purposes, drinking plenty of fluids is prescribed, especially with vitamin C - rosehip decoction, tea with raspberries and fruit juice.

To improve the quality and functionality of cerebrospinal fluid, the following is prescribed: Cytoflavin.

Forecast

Timely consultation with a doctor, accurate diagnosis and correct treatment regimen increases the chances of a complete cure for meningitis. It depends on the patient how quickly he will go to a medical facility and adhere to the treatment regimen.

However, even if the situation is extremely difficult, pray, the Lord is able to deliver and heal a person even in cases where other people cannot help him.

Important! Before use folk remedies Be sure to consult your doctor!

When using folk remedies, keep the patient calm, dim the light, and protect him from loud sounds.

Poppy. Grind the poppy seed as thoroughly as possible, pour it into a thermos and fill it with hot milk, in the proportion of 1 teaspoon of poppy seed per 100 ml of milk (for children) or 1 tbsp. spoon of poppy seeds per 200 ml of milk. Leave the solution to infuse overnight. You need to take 1 tbsp of poppy infusion. spoon (children) or 70 g (adults) 3 times a day, 1 hour before meals.

Chamomile and mint. To drink, use tea from or, for example, one remedy in the morning, another in the evening. To prepare such a medicinal drink you need 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of mint or chamomile into a glass of boiling water, cover the lid and let the product brew, then strain and drink a portion at a time.

Lavender. 2 teaspoons of medicinal lavender in dry, ground form, pour 400 ml of boiling water. Leave the product overnight to infuse and drink 1 glass, morning and evening. This product has analgesic, sedative, anticonvulsant and diuretic properties.

Herbal collection. Mix 20 g of the following ingredients - lavender flowers, peppermint leaves, rosemary leaves, primrose root and. Next, pour 20 g of the resulting mixture from plants with 1 glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and let the product brew. After the collection has cooled, strain it and you can start drinking the whole glass at a time, twice a day, morning and evening.

Needles. If the patient does not have an acute phase of meningitis, you can prepare a bath from fir needles; it is also useful to drink an infusion of pine needles, which help cleanse the blood.

Linden. 2 tbsp. spoons of linden blossom pour 1 liter of boiling water, cover the product with a lid, let it brew for about 30 minutes and you can drink it instead of tea.

— During periods of seasonal outbreaks, avoid staying in places with large numbers of people, especially indoors;

— Do wet cleaning at least 2-3 times a week;

— Temper yourself (if there are no contraindications);

— Avoid stress and hypothermia;

- Move more, go in for sports;

- Don't let things happen various diseases, especially of an infectious nature, so that they do not become chronic;

Meningitis is an infectious disease, so all patients with this disease are subject to urgent hospitalization. Since the disease is dangerous, treatment at home using folk remedies is not worthwhile. You need to call an ambulance quickly medical care and do not risk life or the development of complications.

The main type of treatment for meningitis is antibiotic therapy. In every fourth case, it is impossible to determine the causative agent of the disease, so the doctor often selects the drug for treatment empirically. Today's broad-spectrum antibiotics can kill viruses of any etiology.

Inflammation of the membranes of the brain may appear primarily or as a result of an infection penetrating the spinal canal and skull from another infectious focus. In this regard, meningitis can be divided into viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal types. There are also mixed forms of the disease.

Pathology occurs in various conditions and is divided into acute form, subacute, chronic or fulminant variety. Depending on this, a person has time to take prompt action for treatment and rehabilitation. With the fulminant type of the disease, death can occur within a few days after infection, but chronic forms develop over many months and even years.

It should be remembered that this viral disease, which is spread by airborne droplets and can very quickly develop into an epidemic.

If we compare the course of the disease in different forms, it can be noted that the viral form is easier and the symptoms are mild. During tuberculosis, meningitis develops gradually, and symptoms of intoxication appear. Fungal meningitis can appear in a weakened body, against the background of a decrease in the protective functions of the immune system.

The infection, entering the brain, begins to develop through the nerve and brain tissues, which leads to complex consequences and irreversible results. A person may remain disabled or die due to complications. It is the timeliness of treatment that plays an important role in the formation of competent treatment, effective result and no consequences for the body. You cannot prevent the spread of infection by using herbs and folk advice from healers; this is a waste of time.

Symptoms

The following symptoms may appear with meningitis:

• frequent acute headaches, migraines. Medicines in in this case will be useless, the pain is bursting and prolonged, in children it can be accompanied by continuous screaming and moaning;
• high body temperature, aches;
• intoxication causing nausea and profuse frequent vomiting;
• strabismus, vision problems;
• constant change of state: from excitement and bouts of delirium to lethargy and complete apathy;
• hallucinogenic manifestations;
• photophobia;
• rash, skin irritation, redness.

Specific symptoms may also occur:

• the patient is unable to bend his head due to the inelasticity of the muscles of the back of the head; when trying to do this, severe piercing pain is felt;
• characteristic meningeal posture, when a person throws his head back, bends lower limbs in the knees, and the upper ones - in the elbows;
• when tapping on the cheekbones, the patient develops a painful grimace, which in medicine is called Bekhterev's symptom. When you try to bend your head, your pupils immediately dilate - Flatau's symptom.

Varieties

Meningitis can spread in two ways: primary and secondary. In the first case, infection of the body occurs immediately after damage to the membranes of the brain. In the second - due to some infectious disease(otitis, mumps, etc.) the meninges are subsequently affected.

This disease progresses very quickly, acutely manifesting itself as various symptoms. It usually takes a couple of days to diagnose it. As an exception, there may be a tuberculosis form of the disease, which can mature over a month or more.

Development mechanisms

How does the neuroinfectious process develop? There are several stages in the development of negative effects on neural structures:

1. Penetration of toxic substances into the body that cause disruption of life.
2. The appearance of autoantibodies, other immunopathological processes and allergic reactions.
3. Development of secondary symptoms in the form of edema, inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, formation of cerebrospinal fluid, etc.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to correctly prescribe treatment, it is necessary to diagnose the disease; for this, the following basic methods are used:

• initial examination by a doctor;
• CT and MRI to clarify the localization of brain lesions;
• examination of fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) using lumbar puncture. This is done in order to determine the content of protein and glucose in its composition, study the color of the liquid and the degree of its transparency, which indicate the presence of the meningitis virus in the body;
• X-ray of the skull;
• electroencephalography to study the functional state of the brain.

Based on the presence of characteristic symptoms in a person, signs of infection, and changes in cerebral fluid as a result of tests, meningitis can be diagnosed.

Treatment

You cannot put off visiting a doctor, much less urgent actions to eliminate symptoms and complications. The patient must be urgently hospitalized and diagnosed, based on which antibiotics are used in the treatment of meningitis. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the likelihood of complete recovery without consequences for the body.

Prescribing medications

Antibiotics are the main method of treating the disease. Since the causative agent of the virus is not always determined through examination and diagnosis, antibiotic therapy is prescribed empirically. The choice of medications today is quite diverse and antibiotics have a wide spectrum of action to eliminate various viral bacteria. Such therapy is carried out for at least a week during the elimination of the infection and the same amount after the patient’s condition has normalized and there is no fever. If there are purulent inflammations in the skull, therapy is extended for a longer period until the foci of infection are completely eliminated.

You can save yourself from meningitis with the help of antibiotics in two stages:

1. Treatment until the cause of the infection is determined.
2. A set of measures after determining the etiology.

Types of antibiotic therapy

There are different categories of antibiotics:

1. Antibacterial drugs penicillin group(Amoxicillin), 2nd generation cephalosporin (Cefuroxime), monobactams (Aztreonam). This category also includes aminoglycosides, carbopenems and potent fluoroquinol drugs. These drugs have good penetrating ability and easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
2. Antibacterial drugs that have poor permeability through the blood-brain barrier. For example, Ketonazole and Norfloxacin.
3. Antibacterial drugs that do not have the slightest chance of penetrating the barrier. This group includes Amphotericin and Clindamycin.

Sometimes it is necessary to combine drugs from one group with others for an effective result.

Therapy is discontinued after stabilization normal temperature the patient's body, the disappearance of meningitis symptoms.

To relieve cerebral edema or prevent its occurrence, diuretics such as Diacarb and Lasix are used. Such drugs must be combined with the introduction of liquid inside. Infusions are used to detoxify the body; this procedure must be treated with extreme caution. Failure to follow the rules can cause swelling of the brain and reduce the positive effect of infusion therapy to zero. For this purpose, crystalloid and colloid solutions are used.

After hospitalization, the patient is sent home for rehabilitation, where he continues treatment and regains strength after the illness. At this time, exemption from work is maintained for a period of about a year, as well as attendance at preschool and school educational institutions is decided on an individual basis.

As a preventive measure, vaccination is used, which is practiced in adults and children. A special vaccine aimed at neutralizing bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae. It is performed on children after 3 months, 4 months and after six months. Vaccination against meningococcal infection is carried out at a later age - after 2 years. For people over 65, a vaccine against the pneumococcal virus is recommended in order to protect the weak immunity at this age from infection.

Physiotherapeutic actions

Physical methods of treatment affect the following areas:

1. Promote better blood microcirculation and improve brain hemodynamics.
2. Sedative rehabilitation methods help cope with nervous disorders and restore central nervous system functions.
3. Acceleration of metabolism due to enzyme-stimulating methods of influencing nervous tissue.
4. Immunomodulation helps to correct disturbances in the functioning of the body's protective functions.

Preventive measures

To protect yourself and your loved ones from meningitis and not contract an infectious virus, you need to follow some recommendations that will increase your chances of a healthy future without complications.

What to do

• Limiting contact with a person infected with the virus, immediately hospitalizing him and monitoring everyone who came into contact with the patient; After contact, you must wash your hands well, it is best to disinfect them, and follow the rules of hygiene;
• If there is an outbreak of enteroviral meningitis at work, in a team, in the city or in your home, you need to limit visits to these places and monitor hygiene. Not only personal hygiene products, but also vegetables and fruits eaten must be thoroughly washed;
• If you cannot avoid such places, use a mask. You can buy it at the pharmacy or sew it yourself, but it is important to know that it is changed every 3 hours. Otherwise, it becomes not only ineffective, but also dangerous to one’s own health;
• Maintaining hygiene of premises in an apartment or office. Getting rid of all infection-carrying animals (this applies to rodents);
• Do not delay the treatment of ENT diseases, especially chronic diseases that tend to worsen and recur;
• Taking antiviral or antifungal drugs when traveling to exotic countries where there is a risk of infection from insects and animals.

To avoid the risk of infection, you must wash your hands thoroughly after each visit to the street, public place or contact with an animal. Monitor your health, promptly consult a doctor if you have any complaints, maintain a normal immune system, exercise, monitor your diet, and get plenty of rest. All these simple rules will help protect yourself and your loved ones from the terrible consequences that meningitis can bring. Don’t joke with your health, trust it to specialists and follow all doctor’s recommendations.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Meningitis in adults and children: causes of its occurrence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and effective methods therapy
Meningitis is an acute infectious pathology accompanied by inflammatory process membranes of the spinal cord and brain. This disease develops as a result of exposure to the human body of such viruses and bacteria as tuberculosis bacilli, meningococcal infection, enteroviruses, Haemophilus influenzae and some others. TO obvious signs This ailment can be attributed to both high body temperature and severe headache, severe painful sensations when trying to straighten the patient's legs at the knees, a dark rash on the body, inability to bend the head to the chest, as well as repeated vomiting.

In children under one year of age, as well as in newborns, this pathology is accompanied by excessive anxiety, bulging of the large fontanel, constant crying, the appearance of a rash, and refusal to eat. Both diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are the responsibilities of neurologists and infectious disease specialists. If any signs of this disease develop, the patient must be taken to the hospital as soon as possible. medical institution. Therapy for this disease is based on the use of antibiotics, hormonal and diuretics, as well as antipyretic medications.

Meningitis - what is this pathology?

Meningitis means inflammatory damage to the membranes of the spinal cord and brain. This disease is considered to be very serious and extremely dangerous, as sometimes it can cause the death of the patient. If you believe the statistics, then this disease is in tenth place among the causes of mortality from infectious diseases. For example, in a number of African countries, two hundred to three hundred cases of this pathology are recorded annually per one hundred thousand citizens. The mortality rate for this disease varies from ten to twenty percent.

If we talk about European countries, in most cases this disease affects residents of Ireland and Iceland. Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people suffering from this pathology. Children especially often suffer from meningitis. If we talk about children under the age of fourteen, then in their case this pathology is observed in ten children out of one hundred thousand. Most often, this disease is characterized by extremely severe pathogenesis. The risk of death of a child is determined by his age. How younger child, the greater the likelihood of his death.

Meningitis in children and adults - what can it be?

Today, there are two forms of this disease: primary And secondary meningitis. Meningitis is called primary if, when the body is infected, the disease immediately affects the brain. Secondary meningitis tends to develop along with some other underlying pathology such as otitis media, mumps , leptospirosis and so on. In such cases, the membranes of the brain undergo a series of lesions not immediately, but over time. This pathology has an acute course. It only takes a few days to fully develop. The exception is tuberculous meningitis, which tends to develop over several weeks or months.

Primary meningitis - what are the causes of its occurrence?

Meningitis is considered to be an infectious disease. The main causative agents of primary meningitis include:

Viruses. Viral meningitis occurs against the background viral infection. As a rule, this is an enteroviral infection. In addition, measles, mumps, chickenpox, and rubella can provoke the development of this pathology. This form of meningitis is often called serous.

Bacteria. The most common cause of this pathology is considered to be meningococcal infection. Infection with this infection occurs through direct contact with its carriers. It is transmitted by airborne droplets. As a rule, it is observed among urban residents, who especially often use public transport. The presence of this infection in preschool institutions provokes outbreaks of meningitis. In addition to this form of meningitis, it is quite possible to develop purulent form. In addition to meningococcus, this pathology can also be caused by Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, spirochetes, and tuberculosis bacillus.

Secondary meningitis - what are the causes of its occurrence?

The most common reasons The development of this pathology is considered to be:

• Lung abscess
• Furuncle of the face or neck
• Acute or chronic otitis media
• Osteomyelitis of the skull bones

In all these cases, the development of meningitis is possible only if these ailments are treated incorrectly.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in adults and children

In almost all cases, this pathology immediately makes itself felt very acutely. Its first signs are very similar to the symptoms of an ordinary severe cold or flu:

• General weakness
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Increase in body temperature more than thirty-nine degrees
• Lack of appetite

Literally in a few days due to very high temperature bodies also develop specific signs of this pathology. These include:

• Strong headache. In this case, the pain is diffuse in nature, that is, the pain is felt in the entire head. Gradually it becomes so strong that it begins to burst. After a while it becomes completely unbearable. Adults groan because of such pain, but children scream and cry. Typically, such pain causes vomiting and nausea. In most cases, headaches in the presence of this pathology tend to intensify at moments when a person tries to change the position of his body, as well as when exposed to environmental irritants.
• A rash is always observed in this case. If there is a mild form of this disease on the face, then small dark cherry-colored rashes appear on the patient’s body. In the case of meningococcal meningitis, it goes away already on the third or fourth day. If the form is severe, then large spots and bruises appear on the patient’s body. This rash disappears only after ten days.
• Confusion.
• Frequent vomiting, which does not bring relief to the patient.
• Meningeal signs: excessive tension in the neck muscles, severe pain when trying to straighten your knees or bend your head to your chest.
• Strabismus occurs only if the nerves of the skull are damaged.

In addition to these symptoms, children under one year of age may also experience such signs of meningitis as:

• Repeated spitting up and vomiting
• Apathy, anxiety, drowsiness, refusal to eat, constant severe crying
• Pulsation and bulging of a large fontanel

Symptoms accompanying chronic tuberculous meningitis

We already said a little higher that this disease tends to develop over several weeks and even months. The first sign of this pathology is considered to be increasing pain in the head area, which only gets worse every day. In addition to headaches, the patient complains of poor general health, frequent vomiting, and confusion.

Methods for diagnosing meningitis

To identify this pathology, the following diagnostic methods are used:
1. Fundus examination
2. Electroencephalography
3. Cerebrospinal fluid examination. This fluid is removed through a lumbar puncture. To determine certain changes characteristic of meningitis, both the amount of protein in a given liquid, as well as its transparency, color, as well as the presence of microflora and glucose are taken into account.

4. X-ray of the skull
5. Nuclear magnetic resonance and computed tomography

An accurate diagnosis of meningitis is made if three signs of this pathology are present:
1. Signs of infection
2. Presence of symptoms of this disease
3. Presence of specific changes in the cerebrospinal fluid

Treatment of meningitis in adults and children

Therapy for this pathology cannot be delayed. If one or another symptom of this disease is present, the patient must be urgently taken to the hospital. Self-treatment in this case, it is strictly contraindicated, since without the help of doctors a person can simply die. The sooner effective therapy is started, the greater the chance of survival.

Prescribing antibiotic drugs

The main principle of treatment for this disease in both children and adults is considered to be the use of antibiotics. We draw the attention of readers to the fact that in more than twenty percent of cases it is not possible to identify the causative agent of this pathology from the blood. That is why in such cases doctors have to prescribe antibiotic drugs, as they say, at random. As a result, they are trying to choose an antibiotic that could fight several of the most common pathogens at once. In the fight against this pathology, the course of antibiotic therapy is at least ten days. It is very important that the patient receives antibiotics for at least another seven days after doctors manage to normalize his body temperature. If there are purulent foci in the cranial cavity, the course of treatment may be even longer.

The following antibiotics are used in the fight against meningitis:

• Penicillin - this drug is prescribed especially often and all because most often this disease occurs due to exposure to pathogens such as: staphylococcus, meningococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus. This drug is administered intramuscularly in the amount of three hundred thousand units per kilogram of body weight per day. It is administered to newborns every three hours, but for adults, the intervals between injections should not exceed four hours.
• Cephalosporins such as Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone. These antibiotics are used to combat meningitis pathogens that cannot be destroyed by penicillin. Ceftriaxone is prescribed to children at fifty to eighty milligrams per kilogram of body weight in two doses. For adults it is prescribed in the amount of two grams.
• It is quite possible to use Vancomycin, and Carbapenems, but only if the above antibiotic agents did not have the proper therapeutic effect.

In the case of severe pathogenesis of this disease, endolumbar administration of antibiotics is used. In this case, the drugs are injected into the spinal canal.

Therapy and prevention of cerebral edema

For both treatment and prevention of cerebral edema, diuretics such as Uregida, Lasix And Diacarba. Purpose of data medicines is possible only along with the introduction of liquid inside.

Infusion therapy

In most cases, in the presence of this pathology, doctors prescribe crystalloid and colloid solutions. These solutions must be administered extremely carefully to prevent the development of cerebral edema.

Individual therapy

After a course of therapy in the hospital, the patient is sent home, but the treatment does not end there. Both attendance at preschool institutions and restoration of work capacity are decided for each patient individually. Most often, a person cannot return to his normal lifestyle for another year.

Vaccination of meningitis in children and adults

The most effective measure to prevent this pathology is considered to be