Streptococcal meningitis

Streptococcal meningitis is a severe, life-threatening bacterial infection of the central nervous system characterized by acute inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord Pathophysiologically, bacteria breach mucosal barriers and enter the bloodstream or extend directly from contiguous parameningeal foci, subsequently crossing the blood-brain barrier to multiply within the subarachnoid space

It is most frequently caused by *Streptococcus pneumoniae* across all age groups and *Streptococcus agalactiae* (group B *Streptococcus*) in neonates, though other species such as *Streptococcus pyogenes* can also be responsible

It is most frequently caused by *Streptococcus pneumoniae* across all age groups and *Streptococcus agalactiae* (group B *Streptococcus*) in neonates, though other species such as *Streptococcus pyogenes* can also be responsible Pathophysiologically, bacteria breach mucosal barriers and enter the bloodstream or extend directly from contiguous parameningeal foci, subsequently crossing the blood-brain barrier to multiply within the subarachnoid space This invasion triggers an intense suppurative i...

This invasion triggers an intense suppurative immune response marked by cerebral edema, elevated intracranial pressure, and classic clinical hallmarks including high fever, nuchal rigidity, headache, altered mental status, and potential neurologic deficits or seizures