Clinical or subclinical meningitis may occur in patients with inhalational or systemic anthrax.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Enough Information
• D. Only In Severe Cases

Answer: (A)

Dissemination of Bacillus anthracis from inhalational or systemic infection can involve the central nervous system. When the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can seed the meninges, leading to meningitis. Sometimes this CNS involvement presents with typical meningitis symptoms, but in other cases it can be subclinical, showing CSF abnormalities or histologic evidence without clear signs. Because of that potential for CNS seeding, both clinical meningitis and subclinical meningitis may occur in patients with inhalational or systemic anthrax.