What Is the Infectious Agent of Spinal Meningitis?
Spinal Meningitis is caused by either a virus or bacteria. The different infectious agents lead to separate characteristics, including the severity and treatment of the condition.
Other People Are Reading
-
Meningitis
-
Spiral meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges. It is characterized by fever, headache, nausea and stiff neck, and is linked to seizures and brain damage.
Viral Meningitis
-
Meningitis is categorized by the cause of the disease, either from a virus of bacteria. Viral meningitis is caused by different viruses and can be spread through coughing or sneezing. It is the more common form of meningitis and is rarely life threatening.
-
Bacterial Meningitis
-
Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be severe. The bacteria can be spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, occurring during coughing, kissing and sneezing. None of the bacteria, however, are highly contagious.
Bacteria
-
There are many species of bacteria that can cause meningitis. However, there are four bacteria that are the most common in meningitis patients. These four include meningococcus, pneumococcus, group B streptococcus and listeria monocytogenes.
Treatment
-
Treatment for bacterial meningitis includes the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis, as they do not work on viruses. However, after about two weeks of bed rest and fluids, most patients completely recover.
-
