What causes cerebrospinal meningitis?

Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It is most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria or viruses.

Bacterial meningitis

The most common bacterial cause of CSM is Neisseria meningitidis, which is also known as meningococcus. Other less common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Listeria monocytogenes. Meningococcus and pneumococcus are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis worldwide.

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis. It is usually caused by enteroviruses, which are a group of viruses that also cause common illnesses such as the common cold and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Other viruses that can cause meningitis include mumps virus, measles virus, herpes simplex virus, and arboviruses (such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus).

Other causes

CSM can also be caused by other factors, such as:

- Fungal infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis

- Parasitic infections, such as Naegleria fowleri

- Drug reactions

- Head injuries

- Cancer