Meningitis; gram negative

Alternative names:

gram negative meningitis

Definition:

An inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by gram negative bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The most common causes of meningitis are bacterial infections that start in other parts of the body and spread to the brain or spinal cord via the bloodstream. Meningitis is also caused by viruses, chemical irritation, or tumors. Acute bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage. Organisms causing a gram negative meningitis include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus morganii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Risk factors include recent neurosurgery, and recent trauma or injury to the head. The infection is sometimes associated with cerebrospinal fluid shunt. In children, a local infection or urinary tract infection may be present. The incidence is 2 out of 100,000 people.