What Is the Causative Agent of Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection that causes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. The primary symptoms of this disease are headaches, fever and a stiff neck.

Enterovirus

• According to the Mayo Clinic, most meningitis cases are caused by an enterovirus. Viral meningitis is often mild and clears up in two weeks without medication in most cases.

Pneumococcus

• Pneumococcus bacteria cause many meningitis cases in infants and young children. This bacteria may also cause ear infections and pneumonia.

Meningococcus

• Meningococcus bacteria can enter the bloodstream from an upper respiratory infection and result in meningitis. This form of the disease is highly contagious and may cause epidemics in colleges and military bases.

Haemophilus

• The occurrence of meningitis caused by haemophilus bacteria has been greatly reduced because of child immunizations with Hib vaccines. This infection usually follows an ear infection or upper respiratory infection.

Listeria

• Listeria is a common bacteria that can spread from soil, dust or foods. Pregnant women, newborn babies and older people have a greater risk of developing meningitis from this bacteria.

Fungus

• Fungal meningitis can affect people with AIDS and it can be a life-threatening illness.