Cause of Meningitis

Introduction

According to the National Meningitis Association, about 3,000 people every year are diagnosed with meningitis in the United States. Of those diagnosed, about 350 die from the disease. Meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection that causes the protective coating of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) to become inflamed. Meningitis starts with flu-like symptoms that increase over time to serious medical problems including shock, seizures, and eventually death if not treated in time.

Bacteria

The most common cause of meningitis is a bacterial infection. Streptococcus, E-coli and meningococcal bacterial all have the potential to cause meningitis. When the bacteria enters the body they quickly attach themselves to the mucus lining of the throat and nose and multiply. The bacteria then make their way into the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body. When they reach the brain or spinal cord they can cause cell damage which then leads to inflammation. Bacterial meningitis is harder to treat because most antibiotics available are not able to penetrate deep enough to access the meninges that are most affected by the infection.

Viral

Meningitis is also sometimes caused by a viral infection. Viral meningitis can be caused by the herpes simplex virus and the varicella zoster virus. Both viruses are easily cured through antivirals, making these forms of meningitis less serious than bacterial meningitis infections.

Fungal

In some rare cases, meningitis may also be caused by a fungus such as cryptococcal meningitis. These infections are also not as damaging as bacterial infection and can usually be treated by anti-fungal medications.

Resources

• National Meningitis Association