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Meningitis - gram negative   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Gram-negative meningitis

Definition:

An inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by Gram negative bacteria (bacteria that are pink not purple when stained with Gram stain).

Causes and Risks

The most common causes of meningitis are bacterial infections that start in other parts of the body and spread to the brain or spinal cord via the bloodstream. Meningitis is also caused by viruses, chemical irritation, or tumors. Acute bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage. Organisms causing a gram negative meningitis include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus morganii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Risk factors include recent neurosurgery, and recent trauma or injury to the head. The infection is sometimes associated with cerebrospinal fluid shunt. In children, spinal abnormalities, urinary tract abnormalities, a local infection or urinary tract infection may be present. It is much more common in infants than adults.

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