What are the 3 types of meningitis?

There are a few different types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Which type of meningitis is worse?

Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious. It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hopkinsmedicine.org


What is the most common meningitis?

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be very serious if not treated.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


What are the 5 causes of meningitis?

And while meningitis is most often caused by bacteria or a virus, did you know that physical injury, illness, and certain medications can also lead to the condition? There are actually five types of meningitis — bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and non-infectious — each classified by the cause of the disease.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


How do you know what type of meningitis you have?

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you'll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Meningitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology



How do u catch meningitis?

Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. These steps can help prevent meningitis: Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Can a blood test detect meningitis?

To do a blood test for signs of meningitis, a technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and draws out a sample of your blood to send to a lab for testing. A complete blood count (CBC) or total protein count check for heightened levels of certain cells and proteins that can suggest a meningitis infection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


How do doctors test for meningitis?

Tests in hospital

a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis. a blood test to check for bacteria or viruses. a lumbar puncture – where a sample of fluid is taken from the spine and checked for bacteria or viruses. a CT scan to check for any problems with the brain, such as swelling.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


Who is at risk for meningitis?

Infants, teens and young adults, and older adults have the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the United States.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


How do adults get meningitis?

Meningitis can affect people of any age, including adults. The three main causes of meningitis are viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious meningitis complications, especially if they develop a bacterial infection of the meninges.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What bacteria causes meningitis?

Causes
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Group B Streptococcus.
  • Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Haemophilus influenzae.
  • Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Escherichia coli.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


Does meningitis come on suddenly?

The first symptoms of meningitis typically happen very quickly – much like the flu, the symptoms of meningitis can come on quite suddenly and progress in a short amount of time.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthclinics.superdrug.com


How long can you have meningitis without knowing?

Symptoms appear within three to six days after being exposed to the virus. You can pass the virus to others for several weeks after getting the infection, even after you no longer feel sick so it is important to always wash your hands. How long does viral meningitis last?
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on oeps.wv.gov


Which meningitis is more contagious?

Bacterial meningitis: Bacterial meningitis is usually contagious; some bacteria are more highly contagious (such as Neisseria meningitidis in young adults and Streptococcus pneumoniae in all ages) than others.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


What is the rarest form of meningitis?

Meningitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, followed by bacterial meningitis. Rarer types of meningitis include chemical and fungal meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on meningitisnow.org


Where is a meningitis headache located?

Usually headache is the predominant symptom, but fever is also usually present and the neck is stiff. Bending the neck forward greatly aggravates the pain. The headache is generalized all over the head. Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on headaches.org


How fast does meningitis progress?

Symptoms can happen very fast, even within a few hours, or they can gradually develop in a day or two. Meningitis is a deadly disease that can develop very quickly and kill in hours. It can happen to anyone of any age.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


What antibiotics treat meningitis?

Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


Does meningitis require hospitalization?

Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and steroids.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Can a urine test detect meningitis?

Diagnosing bacterial meningitis

Your doctor will also ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to better understand your current medical condition. They may also request additional diagnostic tests to confirm a bacterial meningitis diagnosis, including: Blood tests. Urine tests (urinalysis)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


Where do you go if you think you have meningitis?

Your health care provider must find out the cause. Go to the hospital emergency department right away if you think you have symptoms of meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pennmedicine.org


How stiff is your neck with meningitis?

This symptom most commonly involves a reduced ability to flex the neck forward, also called nuchal rigidity. Depending on the severity of the nuchal rigidity, the neck might be able to flex about half of what it could do before, or it might hardly flex at all.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spine-health.com


Can you have meningitis for months?

Chronic meningitis develops slowly, over weeks or longer, and may last for months to years. Rarely, chronic meningitis causes only mild symptoms and resolves on its own.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merckmanuals.com


Does meningitis show up on MRI?

Routine contrast-enhanced brain MRI is the most sensitive modality for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis because it helps detect the presence and extent of inflammatory changes in the meninges, as well as complications.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on emedicine.medscape.com


Is meningitis a disease or infection?

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov
Next question
What is a shaded tabby?