Bacterial Meningitis Overview

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Learn About Bacterial Meningitis

What is the definition of Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease characterized an inflammation of fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by several types of bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as sinus and ear infections. While most people recover from bacterial meningitis, the disease can be fatal and cause permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.
What are the symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis?
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include a sudden onset of fever, headache, and a stiff neck. Other symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), excessive sleepiness, and confusion. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis in newborns and infants may include high fever, lethargy, difficulty waking, irritability, constant crying, vomiting, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head). Late symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include seizures and coma.
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What are the current treatments for Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can be fatal and should be treated early. Treatment for bacterial meningitis may include intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids to prevent serious complications, such as seizures and coma. Drainage of any infected sinuses or mastoids (bones behind outer ear) may also be required.
Who are the top Bacterial Meningitis Local Doctors?
Diederik J. Van De Beek
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Diederik J. Van De Beek
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Diederik J. Van De Beek
Amsterdam, NH, NL 

Diederik Van De Beek practices in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Van De Beek is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Bacterial Meningitis. Their top areas of expertise are Bacterial Meningitis, Meningitis, Pneumococcal Meningitis, Thrombectomy, and Tissue Biopsy.

Matthijs C. Brouwer
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Matthijs C. Brouwer
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Matthijs C. Brouwer
Amsterdam, NH, NL 

Matthijs Brouwer practices in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Mr. Brouwer is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Bacterial Meningitis. His top areas of expertise are Bacterial Meningitis, Meningitis, Brain Abscess, Thrombectomy, and Tissue Biopsy.

 
 
 
 
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Ray Borrow
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Ray Borrow
Elite in Bacterial Meningitis
Ray Borrow
Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road, 
Manchester, ENG, GB 

Ray Borrow practices in Manchester, United Kingdom. Mr. Borrow is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Bacterial Meningitis. His top areas of expertise are Meningitis, Tetanus, Bacterial Meningitis, Strep Throat, and Splenectomy.

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What are the latest Bacterial Meningitis Clinical Trials?
ANRS 12404 TIMPANI: Tnf Inhibitors to Reduce Mortality in HIV-1 Infected PAtients With Tuberculosis meNIngitis: a Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial
ANRS 12404 TIMPANI: Tnf Inhibitors to Reduce Mortality in HIV-1 Infected PAtients With Tuberculosis meNIngitis: a Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 15, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: Randomized phase II clinical trial which aims to assess the impact on 3-month mortality and safety of adding adalimumab to standard treatment (anti-tuberculosis drugs and corticosteroids) in HIV patients with tuberculosis meningitis in 3 countries (Brazil, Mozambique, and Zambia).

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A Phase II, Randomized, Open-Label Trial of a Six-Month Regimen of High-Dose Rifampicin, High-Dose Isoniazid, Linezolid, and Pyrazinamide Versus a Standard Nine-Month Regimen for the Treatment of Adults and Adolescents With Tuberculous Meningitis: Improved Management With Antimicrobial AGents Isoniazid rifampiciN LinEzolid for TBM (IMAGINE-TBM)
A Phase II, Randomized, Open-Label Trial of a Six-Month Regimen of High-Dose Rifampicin, High-Dose Isoniazid, Linezolid, and Pyrazinamide Versus a Standard Nine-Month Regimen for the Treatment of Adults and Adolescents With Tuberculous Meningitis: Improved Management With Antimicrobial AGents Isoniazid rifampiciN LinEzolid for TBM (IMAGINE-TBM)
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 02, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: The purpose of this study is to compare a 6-month regimen of high-dose rifampicin (RIF), high-dose isoniazid (INH), linezolid (LZD), and pyrazinamide (PZA) versus the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of care (SOC) treatment for tuberculosis meningitis (TBM).

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