Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs.
The most common symptoms are fever, headache, an inability to tolerate light or loud noises and neck stiffness. Other symptoms can include confusion or altered consciousness. If a rash is present, it may indicate a particular form of meningitis being caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Meningitis can be caused by several pathogens for which there are vaccines: pneumococcus – (Prevnar 13), – H. Influenza B (HiB), rare meningitis caused by mumps (MMR) and meningococcus (Menactra). For this month’s vScienceBites discussion, we’re going to be focus on the most serious form of meningitis: Neisseria meningitis.
But are these vaccines necessary? Let’s find out.
Your donation gives you access to 2 videos presented by Dr. Tenpenny & Robert Scott Bell, an e-book and notes for both videos.
[2 Videos, Length: ~ 50 min each, Downloadable Material]
