Abstract

LOBO CASTRO, James Eduardo. Meningitis bacteriana y viral. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.1, pp.234-245. ISSN 2215-5287.

Meningitis is a disease which is of Public Health importance, not only for its incidence, but also its mortality and sequelae in patients. The Central Nervous System is protected in a special way; however microorganisms manage to evade the defenses. When the Meninges are infected, the Immune System’s response begins, of great significance in the pathophysiology. The clinical manifestations may be many, but it is important to recognize the key signs for suspicion and timely implementation of essential complementary tests in the diagnosis, such as lumbar puncture.

It is vital to recognize the patient prior to the procedure, needs an imaging study. Despite this, the beginning of antibiotics and the use of glucocorticoid must not be delayed and should be administered as soon as possible, essential to a better prognosis.

Keywords : Meningitis; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Spinal Puncture; Blood-Brain Barrier.

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