Beware; meningitis can be contagious and have fatal consequences.

 

Inflammation of the lining of the brain, also known as meningitis, is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal nervous system. Usually caused by infection, it can be fatal and requires immediate medical treatment. Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi.

Causes of meningitis:

• Tuberculosis meningitis
• Bacterial (purulent) meningitis: Bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae can cause serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial meningitis.
• Viral meningitis: viruses such as enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, and measles virus can also cause viral meningitis.
• Meningitis fungi, such as Cryptococcus (usually in AIDS sufferers) and Histoplasma, can also cause meningitis.
• Head Injury: Severe head injuries can also cause meningitis, although this is rare.

Symptoms of meningitis:

The symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the cause and generally include:

• Fever
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• anorexia
• Seizures 
• Stiff neck or stiff neck
• Loss of consciousness
• Diplopia
• Papilloedema
• Focal neurological deficits such as hemiparesis, central canal nerve paresis, and signs of TTIK (intracranial pressure or pressure value in the head cavity)

In cases of meningitis due to TB infection, there are several supporting criteria, such as:

• History of close contact with pulmonary TB sufferers in the last year
• There is evidence of TB infection elsewhere, such as examination results: chest x-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
• Discovery of BTA or M. tuberculosis from cultures obtained from other sources such as sputum, KGB, gastric lavage, blood, and urine

Meningitis Transmission:

Transmission of meningitis can occur in various ways depending on the type, be it bacterial, viral, or fungal. Here are some common ways meningitis is transmitted:

• Airborne Droplets: Bacterial meningitis, which is often the most serious form, such as TB meningitis, can spread via airborne droplets. This occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, and droplet particles containing bacteria or viruses cause infection in other people who inhale them.
• Transmission from Other Parts of the Body: In TB meningitis, TB bacteria from a primary infection elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or lymph nodes, can spread through the bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord, causing TB meningitis.
• Crowds and Crowded Environments: Crowded environments, such as in schools, dormitories, or other public facilities, can accelerate the transmission of meningitis. Closer contact between individuals increases the risk of spreading the disease, especially if someone in the group becomes infected.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor sanitary conditions, such as limited access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, can exacerbate the spread of meningitis. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly with soap and running water, can help reduce the risk of infection.

Treatment of meningitis depends on the cause.

• Bacterial meningitis usually requires immediate treatment with intravenous antibiotics and can be very serious if not treated quickly.
• Viral meningitis usually does not require antibiotics, and the symptoms can be treated symptomatically.
• Fungal Meningitis: Requires special anti-fungal treatment.
• TB meningitis: treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs; treatment is given for 9–12 months, depending on the patient's response, and corticosteroids are given to reduce inflammation and swelling of the lining of the brain.

In TB meningitis, there are several risk factors that can increase a person's infection, such as:

• Age: Children aged between 2-4 years are at high risk of spreading TB infection, so they can easily cause TB meningitis.
• HIV: in someone with HIV, it is easier to spread TB infection, resulting in TB meningitis, compared to someone without HIV.
• Malnutrition: There are several studies that say someone with malnutrition easily experiences the absorption of TB bacteria.
• Immunodeficiency: people with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency and people receiving immunosuppressive therapy are groups at high risk.

It should be remembered that in TB sufferers, it is very easy for complications to occur up to TB meningitis, so early diagnosis and treatment of TB infection are important so that they receive therapy as soon as possible. In the first 2 weeks of TB infection, the patient must undergo isolation because, in this phase, it is easy to spread and it is necessary to supervise treatment.

However. Not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis will develop the disease. Other factors, such as an individual's immune system, also play a role in determining whether or not someone will get sick after exposure. Therefore, preventive measures such as vaccination, maintaining cleanliness, and avoiding close contact with sick people are very important in reducing the risk of transmitting meningitis.

Made by: Dr. Dikfairus Selman Haniar Sutardi

Reviewed by: Dr. Mitha Dewi Garyani, Sp.S.

Reference :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541015/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513246/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tuberculosis-meningitis#treatment

https://www.healthline.com/health/tuberculosis-isolation-precautions

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis