TYPHOID MENINGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Typhoid meningitis refers to a specific type of meningitis caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, which is responsible for causing typhoid fever. Meningitis, in general, is the inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Typhoid fever itself is a systemic illness characterized by high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general malaise. When the bacterium causing typhoid fever invades the central nervous system and affects the meninges, it leads to the development of typhoid meningitis.
The onset of typhoid meningitis may occur during the active phase of typhoid fever or sometimes after the apparent recovery from the fever. It is typically characterized by symptoms such as severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, altered mental state, high fever, and occasionally seizures. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including coma and death.
The diagnosis of typhoid meningitis is made through laboratory tests, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis and blood cultures to identify the presence of Salmonella Typhi. Treatment involves the administration of appropriate antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin, to eliminate the bacterial infection. Supportive care is also provided to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Prevention of typhoid meningitis involves vaccination against Salmonella Typhi, good hygiene practices, and safe food and water consumption. Taking precautions while traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common is crucial in preventing the disease, including typhoid meningitis.
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Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TYPHOID MENINGITIS
- ryphoid meningitis
- fyphoid meningitis
- gyphoid meningitis
- yyphoid meningitis
- 6yphoid meningitis
- 5yphoid meningitis
- ttphoid meningitis
- tgphoid meningitis
- thphoid meningitis
- tuphoid meningitis
- t7phoid meningitis
- t6phoid meningitis
- tyohoid meningitis
- tylhoid meningitis
- ty-hoid meningitis
- ty0hoid meningitis
- typgoid meningitis
- typboid meningitis
- typnoid meningitis
- typjoid meningitis
Etymology of TYPHOID MENINGITIS
The word "typhoid meningitis" can be broken down into two parts to understand its etymology:
1. Typhoid: The word "typhoid" originated from the Greek word "typhos", meaning "smoky" or "stupor". It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a particularly severe form of fever known as typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, which infects the intestines and bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues. Over time, the term "typhoid" expanded to describe other conditions or diseases that share some similarities with typhoid fever.
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