Enterobacter Cloacae Meningitis

Enterobacter cloacae is one of several types of infectious bacteria that may cause a variety of infectious diseases including urinary tract infections, endocarditis and respiratory illness. Enterobacter is a particular species of bacteria. Enterobacter cloacae is the primary form of enterobacter pathogens and is associated with a broad spectrum of illnesses.

Meningitis

• Meningitis is a swelling or inflammation of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal column. These tissues are called "meninges." The most common type of meningitis is viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by breathing in a virus which travels directly to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be fatal. Bacterial meningitis may impede blood vessels, thereby causing harm to certain organs. Bacterial meningitis may lead to strokes or cause brain damage. Enterobacter cloacae is the particular strain of pathogen which may cause meningitis. Enterobacter bacteria is particularly difficult to treat as it has a resistance to third generation cephalosporins often used in the treatment of meningitis.

Risks

• Adolescents are considered to be at the greatest risk for contracting meningitis and account for approximately 15 percent of all cases reported in the United States each year. College freshmen living in a dormitory have exhibited a higher instance of meningitis. Some factors which may increase risk of contracting meningitis include living in crowed buildings, irregular sleep patterns or moving into a new geographic area.

Contagion

• Meningitis, like other airborne pathogens, can be passed from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or kissing. The bacteria that causes meningitis is usually present in mucus membranes such as those found in the nose and throat. Here they may multiply and penetrate into the bloodstream.
  Once in the bloodstream the disease may travel to various organs.

Symptoms

• Symptoms are often mistaken for those of the common flu and may include headaches, fever, stiffness or joint pain. More severe symptoms may include nausea, sensitivity to light, seizures or even altered mental states. A rash may also occur in later stages of infection. If meningitis is left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss, brain damage, kidney disease or death.

Prevention/Solution

• A vaccine is available for individuals between the ages of 2 and 55. The vaccine is known as a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine and is designed to protect against the most common types of meningitis. The vaccine stimulates a more powerful response from the immune system and generally does not require re-vaccination. Other precautions are the same as avoiding the flu or common cold. These include regularly washing hands, avoiding congested areas where people are coughing, and avoiding touching your face after having handled items which encounter a high volume of traffic such as doorknobs.