The results revealed that those who had developed meningococcal meningitis had genetic markers in a number of genes involved in attacking and killing invading bacteria.
What are the genetic factors of meningitis?
Genetic variations in the gene cluster encoding IL-1 and in key genes including TNF, SP-A2 and CFH have been associated with susceptibility to meningococcal disease.
Who is most at risk for meningitis Why?
Although meningitis affects all ages, young children are most at risk. Newborn babies are at most risk from Group B streptococcus, young children are at higher risk from meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae.
Who is most common to get meningitis?
Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5 years. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under age 20. Living in a community setting.
Is meningitis hereditary Related Questions
What are the 5 causes of meningitis?
Bacterial Meningitis. Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention. Viral Meningitis. Fungal Meningitis. Parasitic Meningitis. Amebic Meningitis. Non-Infectious Meningitis.
What age is meningitis most common?
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than 1 year of age. Teens are less likely to be infected than infants, but disease levels increase in adolescence starting around age 11, and peak around age 19 years.
How do you become a carrier of meningitis?
People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria.
Who is most likely to get bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants under 1 year of age and young people ages 16 to 21. College students living in dorms or other close quarters are at increased risk.
What are the odds of getting meningitis?
Am I at Risk? The risk of getting the disease is very low. Although meningococcal disease is infectious and can cause outbreaks, 97 out of every 100 cases are isolated, with no link to any other cases.
What is the survival rate for meningitis?
Even with early diagnosis and adequate treatment, 5% to 10% of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Bacterial meningitis may result in brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability in 10% to 20% of survivors.
What is the death rate of meningitis?
Prognosis of meningitis depends on the cause. Untreated bacterial meningitis has a very high death rate. Even with appropriate treatment, the death rate from bacterial meningitis is about 15-20%, with a higher death rate associated with increasing age.
How quickly does meningitis develop?
Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die.
How can I prevent meningitis?
Prevention. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not having close contact with people who are sick, also helps.
Is meningitis hard to catch?
They do not spread as easily as infections like flu, but close family members and close friends of someone with meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria are at increased risk of picking up the infection. You may get ill after picking up the infection, but it is much more usual not to become ill.
What does a meningitis headache feel like?
This is caused by swelling located in the back of your neck, behind your skull, that you may be able to feel. Neck pain from meningitis can be accompanied by a feeling of tenderness or soreness in the affected area. It may also come with a throbbing or persistent headache.
How long is meningitis contagious?
What is the incubation period of Bacterial Meningitis and how long is it contagious? Symptoms generally develop 1-10 days after exposure, but usually less than 4 days. Meningitis is contagious until at least 24 hours after treatment with antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive to.
What virus mimics meningitis?
The most common alternative etiologies that mimic viral meningitis are: erhlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Kawasaki disease, and Lyme meningitis. Other conditions sharing some of these symptoms are: drug-associated aseptic meningitis, central nervous system vasculitis, neoplastic diseases.
Can meningitis go undetected for years?
Occasionally, chronic meningitis persists for months or even years, but no organisms are identified, and death does not result. This type of meningitis is called chronic idiopathic meningitis. Treatment with antifungal drugs or corticosteroids does not help.
Is meningitis preventable?
The most effective way to prevent meningitis is to get vaccinated against the disease. There are currently two vaccines available in the U.S. that protect against most types of bacterial meningitis.
Will a mask prevent meningitis?
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Should I wear a mask to prevent exposure? The Centers for Disease control does not recommend wearing a surgical mask to prevent exposure. Not sharing anything that comes in contact with the mouth is most effective.