LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Meningitis: Cases
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Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The attack rate per year in the United States is reported at 0.6-4 cases per 100,000 population. Previously, the 3 most common pathogens that accounted for more than 80% of cases included H influenzae type B (HIB), N meningitidis, and S pneumoniae. Over the past decade, the epidemiology has changed substantially because of 2 important developments.
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Viruses cause a greater number of cases of meningitis each year than do bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own in 10 days or less. A group of common viruses known as enteroviruses, which cause stomach flu, are responsible for about 90 percent of viral meningitis in the United States.
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Viral meningitis (... called aseptic meningitis) is the most common type of meningitis and is less severe than bacterial meningitis. In Illinois, an average of 600 cases of aseptic meningitis are reported annually, with most occurring in late summer and early autumn. The majority of cases of aseptic meningitis are due to viruses called enteroviruses that can infect the stomach and small intestine. A small number of cases are caused by different viruses, which can be transmitted by infected mosquitos; these are called arboviruses. Fatal cases of viral meningitis are rare and complete recovery is the rule.
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By looking at the disease as an inappropriate immune response that touches off an inflammatory cascade, researchers are studying exciting new therapies to reduce the damaging consequences of meningitis. While these studies are ongoing, the Life Extension Foundation believes that nutrients that fight inflammation can safely be considered in helping reduce the inflammation associated with meningitis. Some of these nutrients include:
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In bacterial meningitis, the CSF glucose to serum glucose ratio is < 0.4. The Gram stain is positive in >60% of cases, and culture in >80%. Latex agglutination may be positive in meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Group B Streptococci. Limulus lysates may be positive in Gram-negative meningitis.
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Many different viruses can cause meningitis. About 90% of cases of viral meningitis are caused by members of a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses. These viruses are more common during summer and fall months. Herpesviruses and the mumps virus can ... cause viral meningitis.
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