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Meningitis is inflammation (swelling) of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord. When bacteria cause it, it is serious: death can come in a few hours. Most people recover with proper care, but some are left with permanent disabilities. Anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a healthcare provider right away — they can tell whether it is meningitis, what is causing it, and how to treat it.
Three bacterial causes of meningitis. Image from CDC's page about bacterial meningitis.
What causes it
Leading causes in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Listeria monocytogenes. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB, is a less common cause.
People with bacterial meningitis usually have the typical symptoms of meningitis. Complications can include seizures, coma and death, and many of these bacteria are also linked to another serious illness, sepsis.
Who is at risk
The likely cause depends on age:
| Age | Common bacterial causes |
|---|---|
| Newborns | Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, S. pneumoniae |
| Babies and young children | S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, group B Streptococcus, N. meningitidis |
| Teens and young adults | S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis |
| Older adults | S. pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, H. influenzae, L. monocytogenes, N. meningitidis |
Other risks:
- Medical conditions: a weakened immune system, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or having no spleen — along with certain medications and surgeries.
- Group settings: infections spread where crowds gather; college campuses have had outbreaks of meningococcal disease.
- Travel: meningococcal risk rises during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage and in sub-Saharan Africa in the dry season. Travelers should also avoid crowded, enclosed spaces with people known to have TB.
- Pregnancy: raises the risk of Listeria infection, which some foods are more likely to carry. See preventing Listeria.
Prevention
Vaccines are the most effective protection against certain types. Vaccines exist for four of the bacteria:
| Vaccine | Protects against | Widely used in the U.S.? |
|---|---|---|
| Hib | H. influenzae type b | Yes |
| Meningococcal | N. meningitidis | Yes |
| Pneumococcal | S. pneumoniae | Yes |
| Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) | M. tuberculosis | No |
- Screening in pregnancy: pregnant women should ask about screening for group B strep. Those who test positive get antibiotics during labor so they don't pass the bacteria to their babies.
- Preventive antibiotics: sometimes given to people who were around someone with bacterial meningitis. Healthcare providers and health departments decide who needs them.
Diagnosis and treatment
Laboratory tests confirm meningitis and its cause. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, and starting as soon as possible matters.
Sources
Based on "About Bacterial Meningitis," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licencia: CC0 1.0 (dominio público) · Adaptado de www.cdc.gov
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