Meningitis

Meningitis

• Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
• If left untreated, meningitis can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Types of Meningitis

• There are five types of meningitis: viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious.

Viral Meningitis

• Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.
• It typically goes away without treatment, but some causes may require treatment.

Bacterial Meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria.
• It is fatal if left untreated.
• The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are:
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal meningitis)
  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis)
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcal meningitis)

Fungal Meningitis

• Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis.
• It is caused by a fungus that infects the body and spreads to the brain or spinal cord.
• People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop fungal meningitis.
• The most common fungi related to fungal meningitis include:
  • Cryptococcus
  • Blastomyces
  • Histoplasma
  • Coccidioides

Parasitic Meningitis

• Parasitic meningitis is caused by parasites found in dirt, feces, and on some animals and food.
• One rare type of parasitic meningitis, amebic meningitis, is a life-threatening infection.
• The most commonly recognized species is Naegleria fowleri.

Non-Infectious Meningitis

• Non-infectious meningitis is not an infection, but rather a type of meningitis caused by other medical conditions or treatments.
• These include:
  • Lupus
  • A head injury
  • Brain surgery
  • Cancer
  • Certain medications

Symptoms of Meningitis

• Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis can be similar in the beginning, but bacterial meningitis symptoms are usually more severe.
• Symptoms vary depending on age.
• Viral meningitis symptoms in infants may include:
  • Decreased appetite
  • Irritability
  • Sleepiness
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
• In adults, viral meningitis may cause:
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to bright light
  • Sleepiness
  • Lethargy
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased appetite