Summary of Meningitis Case

First we read about all of the students and made a chart based on their symptoms and lifestyle choices. We also made a diagram showing how they connect to each other. After that we learned how to use a PCR machine to make multiple copies of DNA. Then we used a website to discover that Sue had Meningitis. We learned all about Meningitis. Then we learned about Serial Dilution in order to determine who had the disease first and then who followed. After that we got DNA samples from the rest of the students and determined what illnesses they had ranging from influenza to strep throat to Herpes. We also decided how to treat them Finally we decided that the outbreak should be treated by everyone on the campus recieving vaccines and also not sharing foods and drinks.

Bacterial Meningitis

People who have Meningitis will suffer through a number of symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomitting, neck pain and stiffness, and also photophobia (this is where the light hurts your eyes). Some of the after effects include memory loss, clumsiness, hearing problems, learning disabilities, seizures, speech problems, and even loss of sight. Meningitis is extremely dangerous because if it is not treated then it will lead to brain swelling and can cause death. The thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are called meninges, hence the reason why it is called meningitis. Bacterial meningitis should be treated with antibiotics and also with plenty of fluids. They also may need to be kept in the hospital a few days just to make sure that the antibiotics are working and the disease is not getting any worse. The students at the university need to take extra precaution when it comes to sharing foods and drinks. Also the students on campus that do not have meningitis and have not been vaccinated should definitely be vaccinated for the disease.

How Antibodies Work

Antibodies are a part of the immune system and are used to fight bacteria and viruses. Antibodies are produced in B lymphocytes and when a pathogen enters the body, the antibodies go to work. Antibodies will find a certain part of the pathogen call an antigen and will attach to it in order to cut off the pathogen's ties with other cells in the body keeping you healthy.