What are the common route of spread of infection to the brain?

Etiology and pathophysiology. Bacteria invade the CNS following direct inoculation of the brain parenchyma or by spread from a focus of infection outside the CNS. Hematogenous spread is the most common route, and the upper respiratory tract is the most common source of entry of microorganisms.

How do you treat CNS infection?

For bacterial or fungal CNS infections, treatment may include antibiotics, intravenous (IV) fluids, anticonvulsants for seizures and steroids for brain swelling. Many CNS viral infections resolve without anti-viral treatment but may require supportive care and can cause long-lasting brain injury.

What causes infection of the nervous system?

Bacterial organisms are often to blame, but animal parasites and fungi can also cause infection. Neurological infections occur when these viruses and organisms invade the nervous system.

How do you get a bacterial infection in your brain?

Bacteria and other infectious organisms can reach the brain and meninges in several ways:

  1. By being carried by the blood.
  2. By entering the brain directly from the outside (for example, through a skull fracture or during surgery on the brain)
  3. By spreading from nearby infected structures, such as the sinuses or middle ear.

What bacteria attacks the central nervous system?

Epidemiology. The common causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, group B Streptococcus spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae. Collectively, these agents account for over 95 % of cases (Table 22.1).

What bacteria causes nervous system infection?

The common causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, group B Streptococcus spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae. Collectively, these agents account for over 95 % of cases (Table 22.1).

What viruses cause nerve damage?

Peripheral viruses like Measles virus, Enteroviruses, Influenza viruses (HIN1 series), SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and, recently, SARS-CoV-2 are reported to cause various neurological manifestations in patients and are proven to be neuropathogenic even in cellular and animal model systems.

What bacteria causes meningitis?

Causes

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Group B Streptococcus.
  • Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Haemophilus influenzae.
  • Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Escherichia coli.