Nervous system Infectious diseases

Melissa Back・2 minutes read

The text discusses infectious diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding disease etiologies and anatomical structures. It also covers various pathogens, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies for diseases like meningitis, Valley Fever, viral infections, neonatal meningitis, and botulism.

Insights

  • Glial cells, outnumbering neurons, are essential components of the nervous system, providing functions like the blood-brain barrier and myelin, showcasing their crucial role in supporting neural health and function.
  • Meningitis, a serious condition characterized by symptoms like stiff neck and confusion, can be caused by various pathogens, with bacterial causes being more severe, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications and mortality.

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Recent questions

  • What are the common symptoms of meningitis?

    Symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, headache, nausea, confusion, and fever.

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Summary

00:00

Infectious Diseases of Central Nervous System

  • The central nervous system and peripheral nervous system are discussed in this chapter, focusing on infectious diseases that can affect these areas.
  • A study guide with disease etiologies categorized into bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and prionics is emphasized for effective studying.
  • Anatomically, the central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, distinct from the peripheral nervous system involving nerves from the brain and spinal cord.
  • The peripheral nervous system includes cranial nerves and spinal nerves, crucial for sensory functions, integrating information, and motor responses.
  • Glial cells, outnumbering neurons, play vital roles in the nervous system, such as providing a blood-brain barrier and myelin.
  • The central nervous system, along with the eyes, is considered immunologically privileged, mounting only a partial immune response to infections.
  • Meningitis, inflammation of the meninges, presents symptoms like stiff neck, headache, nausea, confusion, and fever, with bacterial causes being more severe.
  • Diagnosis of meningitis involves a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for glucose, protein, cell counts, and microbial presence.
  • Bacterial causes of meningitis include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
  • Vaccines have significantly reduced bacterial meningitis cases, emphasizing the importance of immunization, especially for young adults and children.

18:38

Infectious Diseases: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

  • Coccidioides species causes Valley Fever, prevalent in arid regions of the southwestern United States, often linked to travel history.
  • Weather pattern changes may impact the spread of Valley Fever due to climate variations.
  • Valley Fever starts as a respiratory infection but can progress to a systemic disease, necessitating prompt treatment to avoid high mortality rates.
  • Viruses are a common cause of meningitis, with milder symptoms compared to bacterial and fungal causes, often resolving on their own.
  • Enteroviruses, including those from the gastrointestinal system, are a common cause of viral meningitis, with human herpes simplex virus also contributing.
  • Neonatal meningitis, often caused by Group B Streptococcus, can be prevented through prenatal screening and antibiotic administration during labor.
  • Other common causes of neonatal meningitis include E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, requiring prompt treatment to prevent permanent neurological damage.
  • Chronobacter sakazakii, transmitted through contaminated powdered infant formula, has high mortality rates, leading hospitals to recommend ready-to-feed formulas.
  • Zika virus, spread through mosquitoes and sexual intercourse, can cause microcephaly in infants, with no current vaccine available, and potential complications like Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Poliovirus, transmitted through food and water, can lead to polio myelitis and paralysis, necessitating ongoing immunization efforts to prevent epidemics and severe complications.

37:25

Arboviruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  • Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses, with mosquitoes being common vectors.
  • West Nile virus is an example of an arbovirus, causing behavioral changes, brain inflammation, confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
  • Antivirals like acyclovir are used for treatment, with equine encephalitis also falling under this category.
  • Prevention methods include reducing mosquito exposure, wearing protective clothing, using sprays, and seeking prompt treatment.
  • Serological testing is crucial for diagnosis confirmation, especially for arboviruses.
  • Herpes simplex viruses, particularly type 1 and type 2, can affect various body areas and are concerning for the immunocompromised and fetuses.
  • The JC virus causes a fatal progressive leukoencephalopathy throughout the brain, being very rare.
  • Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoa found in bird and cat feces, poses risks to fetuses and the immunocompromised, emphasizing the importance of avoiding exposure during pregnancy.
  • Prions, self-replicating proteins causing spongy form encephalopathies, are fatal and transmitted through contaminated animal tissues.
  • Rabies, a zoonotic virus carried by animals, is almost always fatal, necessitating immediate treatment with immunization and immunoglobulin post-exposure.

55:28

"Botulism: Paralysis Risk from Clostridium Bacteria"

  • Botulism is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, leading to flaccid paralysis and respiratory compromise, requiring antitoxin treatment to prevent a high mortality rate, often linked to exposure to honey in infants.
  • The different types of botulism include infant botulism, wound botulism, and food botulism, all characterized by respiratory compromise due to the paralysis caused by Clostridium botulinum, emphasizing the importance of avoiding certain foods to prevent exposure.
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