Term
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Definition
Listeria monocytogenes
Typical Morphology:
Gram-positive rods
(short, narrow).
Key Clinical Fact: Listeria monocytogenes is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in neonates.
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Term
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Definition
Streptococcus, Group B
Typical Morphology: Gram-positive cocci in chains (may appear slightly elongated in CSF).
Key Clinical Fact: Group B streptococci can cause bacterial meningitis in neonates.
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Term
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Definition
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Typical Morphology: Gram-positive diplococci (elongated in shape).
Key Clinical Fact: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.
CSF |
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Term
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Definition
E. coli
Typical Morphology: long, narrow Gram-negative rods (variable in length).
Key Clinical Fact: E. coli is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in infants.
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Term
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Definition
Haemophilus influenzae
Typical Morphology: small, pale, pleomorphic, Gram-negative rods.
Key Clinical Fact: Haemophilus influenzae is a cause of bacterial meningitis in children. |
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Term
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Definition
Neisseria meningitidis
Typical Morphology:
Gram-negative diplococci (kidney-shaped).
Key Clinical Fact:
Neisseria meningitidis can cause epidemic meningitis
CSF |
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Term
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Definition
Candida albicans
Typical Morphology: budding yeasts and pseudohyphae.
Key Clinical Fact:
Candida albicans may cause meningitis during a systemic Candida infection.
CSF |
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Term
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Definition
Cryptococcus neoformans
Typical Morphology: encapsulated yeasts of various sizes, staining reaction may be variable.
Cryptococcus neoformans may cause chronic meningitis in immunocompromised patients.
CSF |
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