1.1 Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid found in the subarachnoid space that protects the brain and spinal cord, supplies nutrition, and circulates waste.

Lumbar puncture (LP)

An invasive procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space in the spine.

Meninges

Three-layered membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Bacterial Meningitis

An infection of the meninges leading to inflammation, symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method and are often more resistant to antibiotics.

Botulinal toxin

A toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that blocks neurotransmitter release, leading to flaccid paralysis.

Naegleria fowleri

A free-living amoeba that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when contaminated water enters through the nose.

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

A group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by prion proteins that lead to brain damage and spongiform changes.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often caused by a viral infection.

Poliomyelitis

An infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, leading to paralysis in less than 1% of cases.

Haemophilus influenzae

Gram-negative aerobic bacteria that primarily affect children and can cause meningitis.

Tetanus

A serious disease of the nervous system caused by Clostridium tetani, leading to muscle contractions.

Cryptococcus neoformans

A fungus that can cause cryptococcal meningitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Antigen detection tests

Tests that use antibodies or antigens for the detection of viruses, bacteria, and yeast in cerebrospinal fluid.

Examination of cerebrospinal fluid

Laboratory analysis method involving collection through lumbar puncture for diagnosing CNS infections.

Listeriosis

An infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, often transmitted through contaminated food, particularly affecting pregnant women.