Reference no: EM133466848

An 18-year-old male in university accommodation, who is complaining of photophobia, a severe headache, a stiff neck and is vomiting, is taken to his GP practice by the student accommodation manager. The doctor suspects meningitis and administers intra-venous penicillin. An ambulance is called to take him to hospital.

1. Based on the patient's background, which organism is most likely the cause of this infection? Explain your answer.

2. Why has the GP given the patient penicillin? Outline the reasons and benefits for this course of action.

3. At the hospital a sample of CSF is taken. What tests, other than microbiology microscopy and culture, will be performed on the sample and what results would you expect for the pathogen that you identified as the cause of infection? Fully explain your answer.

4. What are the disadvantages of early administration of penicillin and what can be done to circumvent the problem(s) caused by this dose of penicillin.

5. What advice will be given to other students who share accommodation with the patient? Explain the rationale.