Infectious Diseases Affecting the Nervous System

Flashcards containing key terms and definitions related to infectious diseases affecting the nervous system.

Nervous System

The part of the body that coordinates its activities by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Contains nerves that emanate from the CNS to sense organs and the periphery of the body.

Blood-brain barrier

A selective permeability barrier that shields the brain from potential harmful substances in the blood.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A liquid that provides nutrition to the CNS and acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges that can be caused by various microorganisms leading to similar symptoms.

Neisseria meningitidis

A Gram-negative diplococci bacterium often responsible for epidemic forms of meningitis.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

The most frequent cause of community-acquired meningitis.

Cryptococcus neoformans

A fungus that can cause a chronic form of meningitis.

Rabies virus

A zoonotic virus that causes fatal encephalitis and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.

Acute meningitis

A serious form of meningitis usually caused by bacteria.

Prions

Misfolded proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Aseptic meningitis

A type of meningitis that is generally milder and primarily caused by viral infections.

Tetanus

A disease caused by Clostridium tetani characterized by muscle spasms and paralysis due to a potent neurotoxin.

Botulism

Intoxication caused by Clostridium botulinum that leads to descending muscular paralysis.