What causes meningitis?
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Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. When such an infection infiltrates the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain, the membranes in the area, called meninges, become inflammed and begin to swell. In some cases, meningitis can have non-infectious causes such as injury, cancer, or certain kinds of medical treatment. Swelling in the brain due to other reasons, such as injury, surgery or cancer is not generally referred to as "meningitis" but is more commonly encephilitis. Meningitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the meninges.
Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. When such an infection infiltrates the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain, the membranes in the area, called meninges, become inflammed and begin to swell. In some... More -
Bacterial meningitis: Meningitis in newborns is a rare condition that usually results from an infection of the bloodstream (sepsis). The infection is typically caused by bacteria acquired from the birth canal, most commonly group B streptococci, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Older infants and children usually develop infection through contact with respiratory secretions from infected people. Bacteria that infect older infants and children include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningititis. Haemophilus influenzae type b was the most common cause of meningitis, but widespread vaccination against that organism has now made it a rare cause. Newer, improved vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitiis (pneumococcal and meningococcal conjugate vaccines) should also make these organisms rare causes of childhood meningitis.
Viral meningitis: Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own in 10 days or less. A group of common viruses known as enteroviruses, which cause stomach flu, are responsible for about 90% of viral meningitis in the United States. Organisms that cause meningitis can be passed from one person to another or passed from rodents and insects to people. However, exposure to an organism that causes meningitis does not mean the individual will get the infection. A mother can pass organisms that cause meningitis to her baby even if the mother does not have symptoms. Stool is another way of transmission. Stool can have enteroviruses or certain types of bacteria in it. Healthcare providers recommend washing hands on a regular basis to help prevent children from getting infected this way. Infected individuals can pass certain bacteria that are normally found in saliva or mucus in their noses and throats through kissing, sexual contact, or contact with infected blood. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also can cause meningitis and can be passed from an infected person to another person through blood or sexual contact, but not through kissing.
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Bacterial meningitis: Meningitis in newborns is a rare condition that usually results from an infection of the bloodstream (sepsis). The infection is typically caused by bacteria acquired from the birth canal, most commonly group B streptococci,... More
