Knowledge Of Meningitis

What Causes Meningitis?

Meningitis is almost always caused by a bacterial or
viral infection that began elsewhere in the body, such as in the ears, sinuses, or upper respiratory tract. Less common causes of meningitis include fungal infection, syphilis, tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders, and
medications .

Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious illness that requires immediate medical care. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death within hours -- or lead to permanent damage to the brain and other parts of the body.

Bacterial meningitis is caused by any one of several bacteria. The most common bacteria causing meningitis in children and adults in the U.S. are
Neisseria meningitidis ("meningococcus"),
Streptococcuspneumoniae ("pneumococcus") and, in older patients, pregnant women or those with decreased immunity, Listeria monocytogenes. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a common cause of meningitis in infants and young children until the Hib vaccine was introduced for infants. Vaccines are available for both Neisseria meningitidis and
Streptococcus pneumoniae. They're recommended for all children and adults at special risk.
In many instances, bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria get into the bloodstream from the sinuses , ears, or other part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream to the
brain .
The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. If you are around someone who has bacterial meningitis, contact your health care provider to ask what steps you need to take to avoid infection.

Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is more common than the bacterial form and generally -- but not always -- less serious. It can be triggered by a number of viruses, including several that can cause diarrhea .
People with viral meningitis are more likely to recover without specific treatment.

Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is much less common than the other two infectious forms. Fungus-related meningitis is rare in healthy people. However, someone who has an impaired immune system -- such as a person with AIDS -- is more likely to become infected with this form of meningitis.

Who Is Most at Risk for Meningitis?
Anyone can develop just about any kind of meningitis. But research has shown that some age groups have higher rates of meningitis than others.
They are:
*Children under age 5
*Teenagers and young adults age 16-25
*Adults over age 55
Studies have shown that meningitis is more of a danger for people with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged or absent spleen , chronic disease, or immune system disorders.
Because certain germs that cause meningitis can be contagious, outbreaks are most likely to occur in places where people are living in close quarters. So college students in dorms or army recruits in barracks are at higher risk. So are people traveling to areas where meningitis is more common, such as parts of Africa.
However, keep this in mind. Even if your personal odds of getting meningitis are higher than average, it's still a rare disease. And there are medications to prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis to close contacts, for instance, and meningococcal vaccines for infants and toddlers and children ages 11 to 18, as well as high-risk groups.