Meningitis - pneumococcal

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumococci organism

Pneumococcal meningitis

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Mental status changes

Physical examination will reveal a fast heart rate, high temperature, stiff neck, and cloudy mental status.

The following tests may be performed:

• Spinal tap will show white blood cells in the spinal fluid (CSF), often with elevated protein and low glucose.
• Gram stain of CSF will show white blood cells and sometimes gram-positive bacteria (pneumococcus).
• CSF culture may grow pneumococcus.
• Blood culture may grow pneumococcus.
• A CT scan of the brain, if done, is usually normal.

Review Date: 08/15/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.