Pneumococcal meningitis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Pneumococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae , which is also the infectious agent responsible for pneumonia. This bacterium can inflame the meninges, which is the tissue that protects the nervous system, leading to the appearance of signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as difficulty in moving the neck, mental confusion and delusions.

This disease is serious and must be treated in the hospital by administering antibiotics to fight the bacteria. It is important that treatment is started as soon as the first signs of pneumococcal meningitis appear to prevent the development of complications, such as hearing loss and cerebral palsy, for example.

Symptoms of Pneumococcal Meningitis

The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae can be found in the respiratory system without causing any symptoms. However, some people have a weakened immune system, favoring the proliferation of this bacterium, which can be transported from the blood to the brain, resulting in inflammation of the meninges and leading to the appearance of the following symptoms:

• Fever above 38º C; Constant vomiting and nausea; Redness throughout the body; Difficulty moving the neck; Hypersensitivity to light; Confusion and delusions; Convulsions.

In addition, when this type of meningitis occurs in babies it can also cause other signs such as deep soft spot, refusal to eat, excessive irritability or very stiff or completely soft legs and arms, like a rag doll.

The transmission of this bacteria can happen from person to person through droplets of saliva and secretions from the nose and throat that can be suspended in the air, however, the development of the disease does not necessarily happen, as it depends on other factors related to the person.

What to do in case of suspicion

If signs and symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis appear, it is recommended to go to an emergency room to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.

The diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis is usually made by the doctor by observing the symptoms, however, it is necessary to do an examination of the spinal cerebrospinal fluid, which is the substance that is inside the spine. In this exam, known as lumbar puncture, the doctor inserts a needle into one of the spine joints and removes a little liquid to be evaluated and the laboratory to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

How the treatment is done

Pneumococcal meningitis should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as hearing loss or cerebral palsy and to increase the chances of a cure. Treatment usually lasts for about 2 weeks and is done in hospital with antibiotics. In addition, corticosteroids may also be needed to reduce inflammation in the membranes of the brain and relieve pain.

In the most severe cases, in which meningitis is identified too late or the disease is developing very quickly, assistance in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be required to be under constant observation.

What sequels can arise

This type of meningitis is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease and, therefore, even with the correct treatment there is some chance of having sequelae, such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, speech problems, epilepsy or loss of vision. Learn more about the possible complications of this disease.

In some cases, these meningitis complications may take a few months to appear or develop completely and, therefore, it is necessary to maintain medical follow-up after discharge, especially after 4 weeks, which is when a hearing test should be done, for example. example.

How to protect yourself

The best way to avoid developing pneumococcal meningitis is through vaccination against meningitis, which is included in the vaccination schedule and should be done in the baby's first year of life, and should be the first dose administered at 2 months of age. Understand how the vaccination schedule works.