Causes of Meningitis

There are several causes of meningitis. Among the more common causes are micro-organisms which include viruses, bacteria and fungi. They are explained below.

Viruses - They cause a mild form of meningitis which may resolve without treatment. An example of these virues is the group of Enteroviruses which cause stomach flu; others include Mumps virus, etc.
Antibiotics are not required in this type of meningitis except there is also a bacterial infection.

Bacteria - They cause the most serious and damaging form of meningitis. And this usually happens when bacteria invade the blood stream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord.

However, some conditions can result in direct spread of bacteria to the brain e.g. an ear or sinus infection, or trauma with skull fracture or complication of brain, head or neck surgery.

Common bacterial causes include:

• Streptococcus pneumonia - Especially in infants and young children .
• Neisseria meningidits - This is the cause of the epidemic form of meningitis. It is commonly found in the upper respiratory tract, is highly contagious and has been known to cause local epidemics in over-crowded living conditions.
• Hemophilus influenza - Routine vaccination has greatly reduced meningitis due to this bacteria.
• Listeria monocytogenes - Pregnant women, newborns and older adults are more at risk for this type of meningitis. It can cross the placenta and increase risk of stillbirth.

Meningitis can also be caused by other micro-organisms like Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Fungi but they are do not occur frequently.

 

Created - March, 2007
Last edited - August, 2009