Gram-negative meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) caused by bacteria that turn pink when exposed to a special stain (gram-negative bacteria).
See also:
Acute bacterial meningitis can be caused by gram-negative bacteria. Bacteria causing gram-negative meningitis include:
Gram-negative meningitis is much more common in infants than adults.
Risk factors in adults and children include:
A physical examination may show:
For any patient with meningitis, it is important to perform a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap"), in which spinal fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is collected for testing.
Tests include:
Antibiotic treatment through a vein (IV) usually starts right away. If you have a shunt, it may be removed to get rid of the infection.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of this meningitis, and seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment may prevent serious illness or death.
Many people recover completely, but a large number of people have permanent brain damage or die from this type of meningitis. Between 40% and 80% of patients with gram-negative meningitis do not survive, although these numbers may be improving. The likelihood of survival depends on:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you notice symptoms of meningitis. This condition can be very serious and needs immediate treatment.
Prompt treatment of related infections may reduce the risk of meningitis.
Gram-negative meningitis