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| Causes Of Meningitis |
Bacterial meningitis (bacterial meningitis)
Acute bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord. But it also can occur when bacteria directly invade the membranes, as a result of an ear infection or sinus or skull damage.
Some bacteria that can cause acute bacterial meningitis in general include :
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
These bacteria are the most common cause of meningitis in babies, children and adults. Generally caused by pneumonia or ear or sinus infection.
- Neisseria meningitis (meningococcus).
This bacterium is the cause of meningitis. Meningitis is commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter the bloodstream. The infection is highly contagious.
- Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus).
Before the 1990s, the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) a major cause of bacterial meningitis in children. But new Hib vaccine drastically reducing the number of cases of this type of meningitis. Meningitis occur tend to come from upper respiratory infections, ear infections or sinusitis.
- Listeria monocytogenes (listeria).
These bacteria can be found almost anywhere-dirt, dust or contaminated food. Many wild animals and livestock also carry the bacteria.
Viral meningitis (viral meningitis)
Each year, the virus caused greater than bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often disappear on their own within two weeks. Enterovirus known to cause 30 percent of viral meningitis. Common signs and symptoms of enteroviral infections are rash, sore throat, diarrhea, joint pain and headaches. Other viruses such as herpes simplex, La Crosse, West Nile and others can also cause viral meningitis.
Chronic meningitis
Forms of chronic meningitis occurs when organisms invade the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain. Although acute meningitis attack suddenly, chronic meningitis develops within two weeks or more. Signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis are similar to acute meningitis. Meningitis is a rare type.
Fungal meningitis (fungal meningitis)
Meningitis is relatively unusual and cause chronic meningitis. May mimic acute bacterial meningitis. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common form of fungus that attack the immune system decline, such as AIDS. Can be life threatening if not treated promptly.
Other causes of meningitis
Meningitis can also be caused by non-infectious, such as drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as lupus.
Risk factors for meningitis
There are several factors that can increase the risk of meningitis, among others:
- Age. Many cases of meningitis occur at ages under 5 years.
- Being in a social environment where social contacts that facilitate the spread of many ongoing causes of meningitis, such as schools, military camps, campus, etc..
- Pregnancy. If you are pregnant then you are experiencing an increase in listeriosis infections caused by listeria bacteria, which also cause meningitis. If you have listeriosis, a fetus in the womb you have the same risk.
- Working with farm animals which can increase the risk of listeria, which can also cause meningitis.
- Having a weak immune system.
Meningitis prevention
Step in preventing meningitis include:
- Wash your hands properly to avoid causing the infection.
- Stay healthy. Keep your immune system functioning properly with enough rest, exercise regularly and eat healthy and nutritious foods.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- If you are pregnant, be careful with what you eat.