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Staphylococcus Aureus Meningitis Symptoms

Meningitis caused by Staphyloccocus aureus bacteria is a potentially life-threatening disease. The hallmark symptom of meningitis is a severely stiff, painful neck, usually with a fever.

The symptoms of meningitis caused by S. aureus are similar to symptoms of meningitis caused by other bacteria. A sample of fluid from the spinal cord is required to tell what bacteria is present.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of Staphyloccocus aureus meningitis are similar to those of other bacterial meningitis, according to The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Adults and older children may complain of a stiff neck accompanied by fever and headache. This "stiff neck" is not just mildly sore; it is usually very painful, and it may be impossible to touch the chin to the chest. Other symptoms are vomiting, rash, seizures, extreme drowsiness and disorientation.

      Younger children and infants may be listless, irritable and refuse to eat; they may or may not have a fever, and they may have seizures. A stiff neck may not be a symptom in young children.

    Background

    • Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord, according to The Merck Manual of Medical Information. These tissues are called meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid flows through the meninges. Cerebrospinal fluid fills spaces in the brain and cushions the brain and spinal cord. It is the cerebrospinal fluid that doctors collect to test for bacteria if meningitis is suspected.

      Typically, meningitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is found in people who have had recent surgery or trauma. The bacteria live on the skin of many people and, during surgery or trauma, can be introduced into the body. In other cases, an infection of the heart valves called endocarditis can spread to the meninges and cerebral spaces.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • If meningitis is suspected, doctors will often administer antibiotics even before testing for bacteria in the spinal fluid, according to The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

      Once a bacterial culture is obtained from the spinal fluid, it is tested for resistance to the antibiotics.

    Other Types of Meningitis

    • Staphylococcus aureus is not the only pathogen that can cause meningitis; in fact, it is a rare cause of meningitis, according to a study at Copenhagen University Hospital.

      Meningitis is more often caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides or the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, according to The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Viruses can also cause meningitis.

    Warning

    • Meningitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a life-threatening condition, and it can cause death in 24 hours or less in some cases. If it is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

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