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The CSF fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord becomes infected with bacteria or a certain viruses, the meninges. Which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord can also become inflamed. Meningitis may be transmitted on by germs or viruses even athletic injuries, drug usage, and many other aspects.

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The bacteria responsible for bacterial meningitis, like Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, normally live harmlessly in our respiratory tract. It's only when they sneak into the bloodstream and reach the brain that they become a serious threat, causing meningitis. It's a reminder of the surprising ways seemingly harmless bacteria can turn into health risks.

Source listed above ^^

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A Narrative Review of the Molecular Epidemiology and Laboratory Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Bacterial Meningitis Agents: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae

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This narrative review describes the public health importance of four most common bacterial meningitis agents, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and S. agalactiae (group B Streptococcus). Three of them are strict…

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Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

Causes

Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis or TB, is a less common cause of bacterial meningitis (called TB meningitis).

Many of these bacteria can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Some causes of bacterial meningitis are more likely to affect certain age groups:

Newborns: Group B Streptococcus, S. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, E. coli

Babies and young children: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, group B Streptococcus, M. tuberculosis

Teens and young adults: N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae

Older adults: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, group B Streptococcus, L. monocytogenes

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. These risk factors include:

Age: Babies are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis compared to people in other age groups. However, people of any age can develop bacterial meningitis. See section above for which bacteria more commonly affect which age groups.

Group setting: Infectious diseases tend to spread where large groups of people gather. For example, college campuses have reported outbreaks of meningococcal disease, caused by N. meningitidis.

Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, medications, and surgical procedures put people at increased risk for meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for several types of bacterial meningitis.

Working with meningitis-causing pathogens: Microbiologists routinely exposed to meningitis-causing bacteria are at increased risk for meningitis.

Travel: Travelers may be at increased risk for meningococcal disease, caused by N. meningitidis, if they travel to certain places, such as:

The meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the dry season

Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage

In many countries, TB is much more common than in the United States. Travelers should avoid close contact or prolonged time with known TB patients in crowded, enclosed environments (for example, clinics, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters).

How It Spreads

Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. monocytogenes, can spread through food. But most of these germs spread from one person to another.

How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are "carriers." Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others.

Here are some of the most common examples of how people spread each type of bacteria to each other:

Group B Streptococcus and E. coli: Mothers can pass these bacteria to their babies during birth.

H. influenzae, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae: People spread these bacteria by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who breathe in the bacteria.

N. meningitidis: People spread these bacteria by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or kissing) or lengthy (living together) contact.

E. coli: People can get these bacteria by eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands well after using the toilet.

People usually get sick from E. coli and L. monocytogenes by eating contaminated food.

Signs and Symptoms

Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of

There are often other symptoms, such as

Nausea

Vomiting

Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)

Altered mental status (confusion)

Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above. Instead, babies may

Be slow or inactive

Be irritable

Vomit

Feed poorly

Have a bulging fontanelle (the "soft spot" on a baby's head)

Have abnormal reflexes

If you think your baby or child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away.

Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria.

People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die. For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

If a doctor suspects meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord). A laboratory will test the samples to see what is causing the infection. Knowing the specific cause of meningitis helps doctors treat it.

Treatment

Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention

Vaccination

Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis:

Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N. meningitidis

Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against S. pneumoniae

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) vaccines help protect against Hib

Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis disease, but is not widely used in the United States

Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule.

Like with any vaccine, these vaccines do not work 100% of the time. The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types (strains) of each of these bacteria. For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis.

Prophylaxis

When someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent people around the patient from getting sick. Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for:

Close contacts of someone with meningitis caused by N. meningitidis

Household members of someone with a serious Hib infection when the household includes one or more people at increased risk of Hib based on age, vaccination status, and/or immunocompromising conditions

Doctors or local health departments recommend who should get prophylaxis.

Healthy Pregnancy Practices

Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or midwife about getting tested for group B Streptococcus. Women receive the test when they are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant. Doctors give antibiotics (during labor) to women who test positive in order to prevent passing group B strep to their newborns.

Pregnant women can also reduce their risk of meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes. Women should avoid certain foods during pregnancy and safely prepare others.

Healthy Habits

You can also help protect yourself and others from bacterial meningitis and other health problems by maintaining healthy habits:

Don't smoke and avoid cigarette smoke as much as possible

Get plenty of rest

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Wash your hands often with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available)

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (use your upper sleeve or elbow if a tissue isn't available)

These healthy habits are especially important for people at increased risk for disease, including:

Young babies

Older adults

People with weak immune systems

People without a spleen or a spleen that doesn't work the way it should

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Bacterial Meningitis causes, risk factors, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

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Bacterial Meningitis under a microscope 

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Certain Types of bacteria can cause this disease:

Streptococcus Pneumonia

Pneumococcus

Neisseria meningitidis

Meningococcus

Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria

Hemophilus Influenzae

Hemophilus

Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/meningitis/bacterial-meningitis-unspecified#:~:text=Streptococcus%20pneumoniae%2C%20Streptococcus%20agalactiae%2C%20Neisseria,that%20can%20cause%20bacterial%20meningitis.&text=Some%20forms%20of%20bacterial%20meningitis%20are%20contagious.

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Muscle pain

Often Fatigue

Red rashes

Vomiting

Back pain

Confusion

Nausea

Stiff neck

Fever

Headache

Sensitivity to light

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Source: https://www.immunizekansascoalition.org/meningitis-toolkit.asp

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IKC is working to improve vaccination rates in the state of Kansas, paying special attention to adolescent vaccines - HPV and meningococcal vaccination rates. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines licensed in the United States: Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) and Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB).

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If any signs of meningitis is suspected, a sample of the patient's blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be taken in and tested to dedicate and determine the precise cause of the specific condition. If there is any signs of bacterial meningitis after testing, the physician will have a variety of medicines to be recommended as a treatment option.

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Meningococcal disease is very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Diagnosis

Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses. If a doctor suspects meningococcal disease, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord). Doctors then send the samples to a laboratory for testing. If Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are in the samples, laboratorians can grow (culture) the bacteria. Growing the bacteria in the laboratory allows doctors to know the specific type of bacteria that is causing the infection. Knowing this helps doctors decide which antibiotic will work best. Other tests can sometimes detect and identify the bacteria if the cultures do not.

Treatment

Doctors treat meningococcal disease with a number of antibiotics. It is important that treatment start as soon as possible. If a doctor suspects meningococcal disease, they will give the patient antibiotics right away. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of dying.

Depending on how serious the infection is, people with meningococcal disease may need other treatments, including:

Breathing support

Medications to treat low blood pressure

Surgery to remove dead tissue

Wound care for parts of the body with damaged skin

Complications

Even with antibiotic treatment, 10 to 15 in 100 people infected with meningococcal disease will die. Up to 1 in 5 survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.

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Meningococcal | Diagnosis and Treatment | CDC

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Meningococcal disease is very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses.

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1. Bacterial Meningitis:

Treatment: Prompt administration of specific antibiotics.

Hospitalization: Usually required for intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Supportive Care: Includes pain relief, fever reducers, and fluids.

2. Viral Meningitis:

Treatment: Antiviral medications if applicable.

Supportive Care: Focus on symptom relief with over-the-counter medications, rest, and fluids.

3. Fungal Meningitis:

Treatment: Antifungal medications.

Supportive Care: Similar to other forms, emphasizing symptom management and recovery.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for all types of meningitis. Vaccination is a key preventive measure.

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Allan R Tunkel · Professor of Medicine, Chief of Medical Education, Professor of Medical Science

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqOajIedBSg

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Professor of Medicine

Drexel University College of Medicine

Chair, Department of Medicine

Monmouth Medical Center

300 Second Avenue

Long Branch, NJ 07740

Telephone: 732-923-6535

Fax: 732-923-6536

E-mail: atunkel@sbhcs.com

Dr. Allan Tunkel received his BS from Seton Hall University in 1976 and his PhD and MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School in 1980 and 1984, respectively, where he was elected to membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency and served a chief residency at the Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and did a fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center. During his fellowship, he initiated his interest the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis and central nervous system infections; he has authored or co-authored more than 160 publications (original articles, reviews, editorials, and book chapters) in his field of interest and is Chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Practice Guideline Committee for Central Nervous System Infections. He was previously at Drexel University College of Medicine where his roles included Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, Vice Chair of the Department of Medicine, Associate Dean for Admissions, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Campuses, Chair of the Medical School Admissions Committee, and Faculty Councilor of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In January 2006, he became Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ. Dr. Tunkel has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including six Golden Apple Awards, three Dean's Awards for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, the Trustees' Award, two Gender Equity Awards from the American Women's Medical Association, two Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Internal Medicine Residents, the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching at Drexel University, the Laureate Award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Physicians, and he has been listed as one of the Best Doctors in America.

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Professor of Medicine Drexel University College of Medicine Chair, Department of Medicine Monmouth Medical Center 300 Second Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740 Telephone: 732-923-6535 Fax: 732-923-6536 E-mail: atunkel@sbhcs.com Dr. Allan Tunkel received his BS from Seton Hall University in 1976 and his PhD and MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School in 1980 and 1984, respectively, where he was elected to membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

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Listen to a meningitis survivor and how her community were supporting her during her hard time.

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Anatomy & Physiology of meninges pathways 

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Anatomy & Physiology of meninges pathways 

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The meninges play a pivotal role as a dynamic gateway, allowing immune cells to traverse into the central nervous system (CNS). This sophisticated passage, vital for immune surveillance, poses a potential vulnerability to disease infiltration. Upon detecting pathogens, the meninges initiate a defensive response, characterized by inflammation. If unchecked, this inflammatory process has the capacity to extend into the parenchyma of the central nervous system, underscoring the delicate balance between immune protection and the risk of inflammatory repercussions within this vital neurological space.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10210344/