Meningitis is a disabling ailment that involves swelling in the membranes, known as meninges, which surround the brain and spinal cord. The acute inflammation can cause troublesome symptoms such as headache, fever, and a taut neck. Few cases of meningitis resolve on their own without much need for treatment. On the other hand, some cases require immediate medical help. If not treated adequately, they can prove to be life-threatening.

In this article, we will have a look at some of the most common causes of meningitis.

Common causes of meningitis
Mostly, meningitis is caused due to viral infections. However, it can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Almost all acute cases of meningitis are caused due to bacterial infections and, thus, they need proper antibiotics treatment.

Bacterial meningitis
Occasionally, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord. On the other hand, sometimes, bacteria can directly invade the membranes through ear infections, sinus, or skull fractures.

The most common bacteria that cause meningitis include:

• Streptococcus pnuemoniae – This is the most prevalent cause of bacterial meningitis in children and adults in the country. This type of bacteria commonly results in a sinus infection or pneumonia. However, it can be prevented with the help of a vaccination.
• Neisseria meningitidis – Another leading cause of meningitis, these bacteria are responsible for causing infections of the upper respiratory tract. This is a highly contagious form of infection that mainly targets teens and young adults. When this bacterium enters the bloodstream, it can lead to meningococcal meningitis.
• Haemophilus influenzae – Some time ago, this bacterium was the foremost cause of meningitis in kids. However, with the new Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccination, the number has considerably reduced.
• Listeria monocytogenese – This bacterium is most commonly found in food items such as hot dogs, unpasteurized cheese, and others. The infection by this bacterium is most common in pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.

Viral meningitis
Usually, the cases of viral meningitis are mild. They are mostly caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Such cases do not require much treatment and clear up on their own.

Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is not very common in people. The condition is not contagious and often shows similar symptoms as acute bacterial meningitis. This condition mostly affects people who have weak immunity. If not treated properly and in a timely manner, fungal meningitis can be fatal.

Risk factors
Apart from the above causes, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual to develop meningitis. These include:

• Skipping vaccinations can make one prone to meningitis.
• Most cases of viral meningitis occur in infants less than 5 years of age. Similarly, bacterial meningitis cases are more widespread in adults below 20 years.
• Pregnancy greatly increases the risk of listeriosis, an infection caused by the listeria bacterium. Besides increasing the risk of meningitis, this infection also amplifies the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage, and premature delivery.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, diabetes, AIDS, or use of immunosuppressant medicines weakens the immune system and makes a person susceptible to meningitis.

It is important to avoid these risk factors to avoid suffering from meningitis.