How is meningitis caused?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been experiencing severe headaches, along with fever and vomiting. I heard it might be meningitis—could you please explain what causes meningitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Fan Cungang
Meningitis is an inflammatory disease caused by various pathogens infecting the meninges, the membranes covering the surface of the brain and spinal cord. The main causes include:
1. Bacterial meningitis: Common pathogens include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets or via the bloodstream to the meninges, causing acute inflammation.
2. Microbial infections: Such as poliovirus and herpes simplex virus among viruses; pneumococcus and meningococcus among bacteria; and Cryptococcus neoformans among fungi. These viral infections are often self-limiting and generally cause milder symptoms.
3. Fungal meningitis: Often caused by Cryptococcus and Candida species. It is more commonly seen in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as patients with AIDS.
4. Parasitic meningitis: Relatively rare, for example, cerebral cysticercosis, which is caused by cysts formed by the larvae of the pork tapeworm in the brain, leading to inflammation.
5. Non-infectious factors: Including cancer, connective tissue diseases, and immune dysfunction. However, these factors have a relatively low probability of causing secondary meningitis.
Clinical manifestations of meningitis commonly include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt medical attention is recommended.
