Infantile Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Urgent Care for Babies

Introduction:

Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. These membranes cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis affects babies and young children more often than it does adults. Meningitis is more likely to happen in children who have cochlear ear implants, have frequent sinus infections, have had brain surgery, or have had a serious head injury. Germs, either bacteria or viruses, are the causative organisms of meningitis. A child can get sick by breathing in the mist or touching a sick person's drainage (mucus or saliva). Once the germs get into the child's nose or throat, they can spread quickly through the bloodstream to the meninges.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is caused when an infection, either bacterial or viral, spreads to the spinal fluid and then onto the spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis, which includes Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, is considered in a league of its own compared to viral meningitis in terms of severity. Even though vaccinations are available for most strains of bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis continues to be the most prevalent variety. Meningitis caused by fungi is also relatively uncommon.

When it comes to older children or adults, viral meningitis can often get resolved independently without significant treatment. However, meningitis in infants should be treated right away. Meningitis caused by bacteria is a deadly condition that can cause permanent brain damage, loss of hearing, and even death in some cases.

What Are the Symptoms of Meningitis in Infants?

Different signs of meningitis in infants may exist. For example, babies may have a difficult time waking up, be grumpy, and feed poorly. Even when comforted and rocked, it could be challenging to make them feel better. They might also be feverish or have a swollen fontanelle (soft spot on the head). The following are other signs of meningitis in infants:

• Jaundice (a yellowish hue to the skin).

• A lower-than-normal temperature or very high temperature.

• A feeble sucking sound.

• Fever (kids under three months of age may or may not have a fever. Those older than three months may experience a high temperature)

• Infants with meningitis who have a high fever may also experience seizures.

• Rashes that are dark or red all over the body.

• Hands and feet are cold, but the torso is warm.

• Excessive sleeping or trouble waking up.

• Being less active than normal.

• Having a higher level of irritability than usual.

• A high-pitched cry.

• Stiffness of neck.

Many symptoms, such as headaches or nausea, are challenging to diagnose in infants. However, attentive parents or caregivers can easily spot many of the signs listed above. Any signs of infection must be treated carefully, and the baby must be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

What Are the Causes of Meningitis in Infants?

An infant may develop meningitis from bacteria, viruses, or fungi exposure. Meningitis is typically caused by viruses, which has been the case for a long time. However, because of the availability of immunizations to ward off bacterial meningitis, this particular form of meningitis is far less frequent than it once was. Meningitis caused by fungi is unusual.

1. Viral Meningitis: Meningitis caused by viruses is typically not as dangerous as meningitis caused by bacteria or fungi; nonetheless, certain viruses can result in a life-threatening infection. The following are examples of common viruses that only rarely cause severe illness:

• Non-Polio Enteroviruses: In the United States, the majority of instances of viral meningitis are caused by these viruses. They cause a wide variety of diseases, including the common cold. The viruses can be passed from one person to another if the infant comes into touch with feces or oral secretions that contain the virus.

• Influenza: This virus is responsible for causing the flu. It is transmitted when an infected person's secretions from their lungs or lips are inhaled or swallowed by someone else.

• Measles and Mumps Viruses: Meningitis is a relatively uncommon consequence that these highly contagious viruses can bring on. However, they can be quickly passed on by coming into contact with infectious fluids that come from the mouth or lungs. Among the viruses that have the potential to cause very severe meningitis are:

• Varicella: This virus causes chickenpox. Simply contacting an infected person is enough to spread the disease.

• Herpes Simplex: Herpes simplex virus is typically passed from mother to baby after birth. This virus, often known as HSV, can present in several body regions. There are two types of strains:

HSV-1: This virus causes oral herpes. Cold sores or fever blisters on the cheeks or lips of HSV-1 patients are possible.

HSV-2: Generates genital herpes. This is the variety that causes genital herpes outbreaks. It is easily transmitted to a baby after delivery, especially if the mother suffers from an attack.

• The West Nile Virus: The West Nile virus, or WNV, is the main cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. When an infected mosquito bites someone, the virus spreads. There are presently no WNV vaccinations or therapies available. As a result, the majority of WNV patients have no symptoms.

2. Bacterial Causes: The bacteria that cause meningitis are as follows:

• Streptococcus-B: Infects 15 to 35 percent of women. Most women have no symptoms despite vaginal infections. Doctors do not know how GBS (group B streptococcus) is transmitted. Between weeks 35 and 37, pregnant women should be checked for GBS. GBS can be transmitted during childbirth. Often, the baby has no symptoms but is at risk for meningitis and sepsis.

• Gram-Negative Bacilli: E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are Gram-negative bacilli. E. coli is a food-borne bacterium. E. coli infection has caused numerous food recalls in recent years. Birth can transfer Gram-negative bacilli.

• Listeria: In-utero listeria transmission is possible. For example, a mother's bloodstream can transfer listeria to her infant. Since newborn meningitis can be passed from mother to child, prenatal care and viral screening are crucial. These viruses or bacteria can infect the infant during labor and delivery. Other sources of exposure include kissing an infected person. Casual contact, like holding a baby, seldom causes exposure.

3. Fungal Causes: Unlike viral or bacterial meningitis, the fungus is rare. Babies with weak immune systems risk fungal meningitis. However, fungal meningitis causes should be considered.

• Candida: Candida affects preterm babies the most. It lives in the body and on the skin without symptoms. It lives on hospital surfaces. Candidiasis can enter the bloodstream and cause meningitis.

• Cryptococcus: Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus. Worldwide microfungus rarely makes anyone sick. However, meningitis can affect those with weak immune systems.

• Histoplasma: Histoplasma is a fungus found in soil, bat, and bird feces. The fungus is most common in the eastern U.S., Asia, Africa, and Australia. It causes histoplasmosis. Weak immune systems can spread infection and meningitis.

• Blastomyces: Blastomyces thrive in dirt, leaves, and wood. Inhaling spores causes blastomycosis. Spores rarely make people sick. However, fever and cough might lead to a dangerous infection. Meningitis can develop without therapy.

• Coccidioides: This fungus lives in the southwestern U.S., North U.S., and Central America. Inhaling the spores causes coccidioidomycosis or valley fever. Valley fever can cause meningitis.

4. Meningitis Caused by Parasites: Parasites can induce eosinophilic meningitis, an uncommon kind of meningitis. A tapeworm infection in the brain, commonly known as cerebral malaria, can cause parasitic meningitis. Amoebic meningitis is a rare kind that can be obtained while swimming in fresh water and can swiftly become fatal. The most common parasites that cause meningitis affect animals. People are usually infected by consuming parasite-contaminated foods and beverages. This type of meningitis does not transfer from person to person.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests Done to Confirm Meningitis?

The doctor will examine the infant and then perform several tests to determine whether meningitis is present. These tests could consist of the following:

• Blood Cultures: The blood is collected from the child, and tests are done in the laboratory. Doctors can accurately diagnose meningitis and determine its cause based on laboratory findings.

• Blood Tests: Blood can also be examined in a lab for infection-related symptoms.

• Spinal Tap: A spinal tap test is done by drawing the spinal fluid, and it is cultured and tested in the laboratory to find the causative microorganisms.

• CT Scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan can detect the presence of an infection-filled pocket (brain abscess).

How Is Meningitis Treated?

As previously stated, infantile meningitis is a highly serious infection. If any of these symptoms are seen in the baby, immediate medical attention is required. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of meningitis they have, its severity, and their overall health. The treatment options available are:

• Viral Meningitis Treatment: Many babies with viral meningitis will recover without treatment. Meningitis caused by viruses such as Enteroviruses or Influenza usually resolves within ten days. Other viruses, such as Varicella or HSV, are more dangerous, and the child is treated with intravenous (IV) antiviral treatment. This may necessitate hospitalization to monitor the baby during treatment.

• Bacterial Meningitis Treatment: Bacterial infections, unlike viral infections, do not usually resolve on their own. As a result, cases of bacterial meningitis frequently necessitate IV antibiotics. In addition, doctors and nurses will regularly monitor the child to ensure the treatment is effective. If meningitis is not treated immediately, bacteria in the brain can cause brain damage and death. If there is a brain injury, the infant may develop cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a movement condition caused by injury to the brain. It impairs mobility, motor skills, communication, and other abilities.

• Fungal Meningitis Treatment: Medical professionals will prescribe extremely high doses of antifungal medication to treat fungal meningitis. Antifungal treatment for people will typically be required over an extended period. For example, they might start by getting the drug through an intravenous drip instead of taking it orally. The kind of antifungal medication required may vary according to the fungus causing the infection and the degree to which it has progressed.

How To Prevent Meningitis?

One can prevent meningitis by getting immunized. These consist of the following:

• MenB vaccine is given to infants at eight weeks of age, with a second dose usually given at 16 weeks and a booster dose at one year.

• Babies receive the six-in-one vaccine at eight, 12, and 16 weeks. People 65 and over receive the pneumococcal vaccine in two doses at 12 weeks and one year.

• Babies are given the Hib/MenC vaccine at one year of age.

• Babies are given the MMR vaccine at age one, and a second dose is given at ages three and four months.

Conclusion:

Infantile meningitis has a good prognosis if discovered and treated quickly. Most babies recover with treatment. CDC: 80 to 90 percent of persons with meningococcal meningitis survive. Delaying treatment worsens prognosis. Delayed therapy can cause blindness, deafness, seizures, and hydrocephalus. 11 to 19 percent of children with meningococcal infections have long-term problems, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Immediate diagnosis and treatment increase the child's prognosis and outcome.