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Bacterial Meningitis HIV Standard Rx — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardCNS InfectionBacterial Meningitis HIV Standard RxSCE Infectious Diseases

An adult with suspected pneumococcal meningitis has turbid CSF, neutrophilic pleocytosis, very low glucose and Gram-positive diplococci. There is no immediate beta-lactam allergy. Which treatment is appropriate?

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Correct answer: C — Intravenous ceftriaxone plus dexamethas before or with the first dose

The best answer is “Intravenous ceftriaxone plus dexamethas before or with the first dose”. The CSF phenotype is bacterial meningitis and treatment must not await final culture; correctly timed dexamethasone reduces neurological complications in suspected pneumococcal disease. Suspected bacterial meningitis requires prompt ceftriaxone-based treatment, appropriate dexamethasone timing and organism-directed refinement without waiting for every diagnostic result.

Reference: NICE NG240: bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng240/chapter/Recommendations