What Are the Different Types of Meningitis?

Meningitis refers to the inflammation of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. This inflammation is a result of an infection that spreads through the blood and into the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Age is not a factor in developing meningitis, which is highly infectious. Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or other organisms. There are several types of meningitis, with different treatment options and varying severity.

Viral Meningitis

• Viral meningitis is caused by enteroviruses that spread through contact with saliva, mucus or feces. Enteroviruses multiply in the digestive tract and then spread through the body. This is a common type of meningitis and is normally not as severe as other varieties. Meningitis can develop from infections, or after illnesses such as measles or chickenpox, and complications from the mumps.

Bacterial Meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis can be very severe and can cause brain damage, loss of hearing and other disabilities if the case becomes advanced and is not treated quickly. Many survivors of bacterial meningitis have long-term complications, such as paralysis or seizures. Bacterial meningitis is spread through the throat and respiratory secretions, especially discharge from the nose or throat from someone who is infected. Even after the start of antibiotics, bacterial meningitis can still be spread for 24 hours.

Fungal Meningitis

• Fungal meningitis is most common in those with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS or leukemia. Fungal meningitis is caused by airborne yeast cells being inhaled. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, confusion, fatigue and a stiff neck. Common complications of fungal meningitis are dehydration, brain damage and hearing loss. It can be fatal. Methods of treatment include anti-fungal medications, pain medication, anti-nausea medication and fever reducers. Hospitalization is usually necessary because IV therapy is often needed.

Amoebic Meningitis

• Amoebic meningitis, though rare, often leads to death. This infection is most often caused by amoeba that live in stagnant or geothermal pools of water. Amoebic meningitis is contracted when a person submerges his head in water and the amoeba, a tiny organism, enters the person's nose. Unlike viral, bacterial and fungal meningitis, amoebic meningitis cannot be passed from person to person. Symptoms normally appear three to seven days after visiting a geothermal pool. In the early stages of the infection, symptoms of amoebic meningitis include headache, fever and vomiting.

Testing for Meningitis

• Viral and bacterial meningitis can cause similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without testing. The diagnosis of meningitis is done through a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. In this test, a physician will insert a needle to take samples of fluid around the spine and brain. A culture is run to see if organisms are present that cause the illness. Currently, it takes several days to get results from a spinal fluid culture. Other tests are run on the spinal fluid to diagnose the organism causing the infection. Diagnostic tests also include a CT or MRI to determine if the brain tissue is swollen and to see if there is any brain damage; a urine test to see if there is a urinary tract infection; chest X-rays and blood culture to check for infection; as well as a biopsy if a skin rash is present.

Statistics on Meningitis

• According to the National Meningitis Association, there are nearly 3,000 cases of meningitis per year in the United States alone. Based on statistics gathered by the CDC, approximately 10 to 12 percent of the cases end up being fatal, and 20 percent have long-term complications, such as kidney disease, brain damage, hearing loss or amputation of limbs.