A child is brought to the hospital with a high fever, nausea, and vomiting, and complaining of headache. The cerebrospinal fluid collected by spinal tap is cloudy and contains spherical cells which stain Gram-positive. These signs and symptoms are consistent with
A) tetanus resulting from infection with Clostridium botulinum.
B) primary amebic encephalitis caused by Naegleria.
C) bacterial meningitis probably due to Streptococcus.
D) aseptic meningitis from infection with Neisseria meningitidis.
E) cryptococcal meningitis due to infection with Cryptococcus neoformans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is cloudy and contains white blood cells and bacteria.

A Child Is Brought to the Hospital with a High