A client is planning a trip to a tropical region in winter. Which type of meningitis is more common in such regions during this season?

Choice A rationale:

Pneumococcal meningitis can affect individuals of all ages, although children under five years old and adults over 65 years old are at a higher risk. It is not exclusive to young children under five.

Choice B rationale:

Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, not Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Choice C rationale:

Pneumococcal meningitis is not only prevalent in tropical regions; it can occur worldwide.

Choice D rationale:

With appropriate and timely treatment, the mortality rate of pneumococcal meningitis can be relatively low. However, it is still a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, and prompt medical attention is crucial to avoid complications.

Choice A rationale:

If the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were normal, it would have clear and colorless appearance. Pink-colored CSF indicates the presence of an abnormality, ruling out the normal CSF as an option.

Choice B rationale:

The pink color of the CSF suggests blood contamination, which can occur during the lumbar puncture procedure. The presence of blood can alter the CSF composition and lead to false interpretations of laboratory results.

Choice C rationale:

Bacterial infection may present with cloudy or purulent CSF, but it is not specifically associated with pink-colored CSF. Other signs, such as elevated white blood cell count and elevated protein levels, would be more indicative of a bacterial infection.

Choice D rationale:

Dehydration does not typically cause pink-colored CSF. Dehydration may lead to a higher concentration of solutes in the CSF, but it does not affect its coloration.