Meningococcal ependymatitis

Meningococcal ependymatitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Meningococcal ependymatitis, also known as E. meningococcica, is a serious inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, or meningococcus. This disease affects the ependyma, a thin membrane that lines the inside of the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Meningococcal ependymatitis can lead to serious complications, including meningitis and sepsis, so early and adequate treatment is important.

Causes:

Meningococcal ependymatitis usually develops as a result of infection with meningococci, which are transmitted from one person to another through airborne droplets such as coughing or sneezing. Meningococci can be temporarily present in the external environment, but they are not able to survive for a long time without a host organism. People who are in close contact with an infected person, such as family members or neighbors, have an increased risk of infection.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of meningococcal ependymatitis can vary and may include:

1. Headaches and neck stiffness.
2. High body temperature and fever.
3. Lack of appetite and general weakness.
4. Muscle pain and stiffness.
5. Disturbance of consciousness, convulsions or coma in severe cases.

Treatment:

Meningococcal ependymatitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect this infection, you should immediately consult a specialist for diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The following approaches are commonly used:

1. Antibiotics: Doctors prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading. Injections of drugs such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime are often used.
2. Supportive Care: It is important to provide supportive care, which includes controlling body temperature, maintaining fluid and electrolyte levels, and relieving symptoms such as pain and cramps.
3. Prophylactic treatment: People who are close contacts of an infected patient may require prophylactic antibiotic treatment to prevent infection from developing.

Prevention:

There are several measures you can take to prevent ependymatitis.