The deadly disease "disguised" from the flu

The potentially fatal disease is caused by a number of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses and fungi), reported by BBC News on this subject.

Then, learn more about each type of disease.

Bacterial meningitis

This is the most serious form of the disease. Several bacteria may be the cause such as Neisseria meningitidis (or meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus sp. (especially those in group B), Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Treponema pallidum

It is important to note that the incidence of each depends on the age group. Neonates are most commonly affected by group B streptococci, pneumoniae streptococci, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli; infants and children, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus group B; adolescents and young adults, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae and the elderly, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Group B streptococcus and Listeria monocytogenes.

. It is also normal for the patient to experience discomfort, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) and mental confusion . As the disease progresses, seizures, delusions, tremors and coma are added to the list

Among the most troubling bacterial meningitis points out infectious pathologist Jean Gorinchteyn of the 39; Emilio Ribas Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. are meningococci and pneumococci .

The first occurs when the bacterium falls into the bloodstream and promotes the release of inflammatory factors. "There is a lot of fear because of the rapid evolution, the high lethality, the possibility of leaving behind (blindness, deafness) that can lead to death.

and limb amputation are epidemics and potential epidemics " says the doctor. In addition to the signs already described, it is normal to cause purplish spots, body aches, chills, diarrhea, fatigue and cold hands and feet.

In the case of pneumococcus, the agent involved is transported by the blood to the brain, where it generates a strong inflammatory response. The symptoms are basically the same as those of another meningitis, but there is a risk of significant neurological consequences, such as difficulty walking and talking.

The transmission of bacterial meningitis occurs from person to person through the respiratory tract . , or droplets and secretions that come out of the nose and throat when the infected cough or sneeze.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of meningitis is made by blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid.

In the case of bacteria, treatment is carried out with antibiotics, with or without corticosteroids, between seven and 14 days . Hospitalization is usually necessary.

According to the agent, it is necessary to take care of the herds and steroids for about a week, depending on the agent. Finally, in fungal meningitis, the prescription is antifungal between four and 12 weeks, also chosen according to the microorganism identified in the body of the patient. Demetrius Montenegro, from Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital (HUOC) of the University of Pernambuco (UPE), told the BBC that vaccines exist for some of the infectious agents responsible for meningitis.

"It is generally offered to children and adolescents by the country's health care system, to adults suffering from a chronic illness, such as diabetes and heart disease, or receiving other treatments for cancer. " of this protection, the doctor recommends to avoid spending too much time inside and full of people; make sure that the house and workplace are kept well ventilated, even in winter, and take care of your personal hygiene whenever possible