Meningitis - staphylococcal

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Central nervous system

Staphylococcal meningitis

Antibiotic therapy should be started as soon as possible to decrease the chances of serious illness or death. Often, treatment of the infection will include a search for, and removal of, possible sources of the bacteria in the body. These include shunts or artificial heart valves.

This form of infection in people with depressed immune systems can be very serious, and often leads to death. Recognition of the symptoms of meningitis is very important to prevent serious illness.

Staphylococcal meningitis often improves more rapidly, with better results, if the source of the infection (shunts, hardware in joints, or artificial heart valves) is removed.

Patients may develop a brain infection or staph infections at other parts of the body. Serious bleeding and shock may develop.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of meningitis occur. This disease can be life-threatening.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
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.