How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?

The clues that the doctor uses are the levels of white cells, protein and glucose in the CSF. Typically in bacterial meningitis the white cell count is much higher than in viral meningitis (and is a different type of white cell), the protein is much higher and the glucose is much lower than in viral meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitis.org


How do you confirm viral meningitis?

To diagnose viral meningitis, the doctor performs a lumbar puncture or 'spinal tap' to obtain some of the fluid that normally surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Laboratory tests on this fluid help the doctor decide whether the infection is caused by a virus or other germ such as bacteria.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov


How do you rule out bacterial meningitis?

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? To diagnose this condition, a healthcare provider will do a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to take a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord. The fluid is then tested for bacteria. The provider will also ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cedars-sinai.org


Which meningitis is contagious viral or bacterial?

Viral meningitis can be contagious from 3 days after infection starts to about 10 days after symptoms develop. Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral meningitis. It's generally contagious during the incubation period and an additional 7 to 14 days.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pharmacarx.com


How do I know if what I have is bacterial or viral?

Diagnosis of Bacterial and Viral Infections

But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam. If necessary, they also can order a blood or urine test to help confirm a diagnosis, or a "culture test" of tissue to identify bacteria or viruses.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


Meningitis [bacterial vs viral, symptoms, Kernig's sign, clinical clues, meningococcal infection]



What are 3 differences between viruses and bacteria?

Bacteria are single-celled, living organisms. They have a cell wall and all the components necessary to survive and reproduce, although some may derive energy from other sources. Viruses are not considered to be “living” because they require a host cell to survive long-term, for energy, and to reproduce.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


Which is worse viral or bacterial meningitis?

Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own. There are vaccines to prevent some kinds of viral meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


Where is a meningitis headache located?

Usually headache is the predominant symptom, but fever is also usually present and the neck is stiff. Bending the neck forward greatly aggravates the pain. The headache is generalized all over the head. Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on headaches.org


Can you have viral meningitis without a fever?

Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merckmanuals.com


What antibiotics treat viral meningitis?

Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


What are 3 treatments of meningitis?

Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What is the best antibiotic for meningitis?

The drug of choice is ceftriaxone (2 g/day for 14-28 days). The alternative therapy is penicillin G (20 million U/day for 14-28 days). Doxycycline (100 mg orally or IV every 12 hours for 14-28 days) or chloramphenicol (1 g every 6 hours for 14-28 days) has also been used.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on emedicine.medscape.com


Do you need to be hospitalized for viral meningitis?

There are no specific exclusions from school for viral meningitis, but hospitalization is common if the infection does not get better in a few days or if the child begins to feel worse.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on detroitmi.gov


Where does neck hurt with meningitis?

Meningitis can cause a stiff neck. This is because it causes inflammation and infection in the meninges surrounding the brain and spine. A person will likely feel the stiffness from the inflammation most noticeably in their neck, which is the most mobile area that the meninges cover.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


When should you suspect meningitis?

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family has meningitis signs or symptoms, such as: Fever. Severe, unrelenting headache. Confusion.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Does bloodwork show meningitis?

To do a blood test for signs of meningitis, a technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and draws out a sample of your blood to send to a lab for testing. A complete blood count (CBC) or total protein count check for heightened levels of certain cells and proteins that can suggest a meningitis infection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


How can you test for meningitis at home?

The meningitis glass test
  1. Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
  2. Spots/rash may fade at first.
  3. Keep checking.
  4. Fever with spots/rash that do not fade under pressure is a medical emergency.
  5. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitisnow.org


What does the start of meningitis look like?

The meningitis “rash” can start as a blanching rash, but nearly always develops into a non-blanching red, purple or brownish petechial rash or purpura, meaning it will not disappear when pressed.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitis.org


What can mimic meningitis symptoms?

The most common alternative etiologies that mimic viral meningitis are: erhlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Kawasaki disease, and Lyme meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cancertherapyadvisor.com


Is viral meningitis life threatening?

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, can make people very unwell. For some, the after-effects can be life-changing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitisnow.org


How quickly does meningitis progress?

Symptoms can happen very fast, even within a few hours, or they can gradually develop in a day or two. Meningitis is a deadly disease that can develop very quickly and kill in hours. It can happen to anyone of any age.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


What's the difference between a viral and bacterial infection?

In fact, we have many bacteria on and inside our body, especially in the gut to help digest food. Viruses are smaller and are not cells. Unlike bacteria, they need a host such as a human or animal to multiply. Viruses cause infections by entering and multiplying inside the host's healthy cells.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthdirect.gov.au


Can bacterial infection go away without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


Which antibiotic is best for viral infection?

The drugs used for viral infection are Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are effective against herpesvirus, including herpes zoster and herpes genitalis. Drugs used for treatment for viral fever are Acetaminophen(Tylenolothers)ibuprofen (Advil,motrin IB others).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on longdom.org