What You Need to Know About Meningitis

This serious, sometimes deadly infection can strike without warning and progress within hours.

Meningitis, a term encompassing various conditions characterized by inflammation of the meninges, is a critical medical concern. These protective membranes surround the brain and spinal cord, and when they become inflamed, it can lead to a range of serious health issues. Dr. Rebecca Pellett Madan, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at NYU Langone Health, provides valuable insights into this condition.

Types of Meningitis

Meningitis can arise from infections caused by either viruses or bacteria. Among these, bacterial meningitis is the most severe form, with the potential to lead to death or long-term disabilities. Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by pathogens such as Group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria meningitidis. Transmission can occur through various means, including childbirth, respiratory droplets, close contact with an infected person, or consuming contaminated food.

Viral meningitis, on the other hand, is more prevalent and is typically caused by viruses such as herpes, HIV, mumps, and West Nile virus. Fortunately, these cases are generally milder and often resolve without causing severe complications.

Fungal meningitis, though rare, can affect individuals with weakened immune systems. It occurs when fungal spores, often found in contaminated soil or animal droppings, are inhaled and spread to the spinal cord and brain.

Another, less common, type of meningitis is parasitic meningitis, specifically eosinophilic meningitis. This form is not contagious and is typically contracted through consuming contaminated food or accidentally ingesting animal feces.

Non-infectious meningitis can also occur due to various non-infectious causes, including physical trauma, chronic diseases like cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, and certain medications’ side effects.

Contagious Nature of Meningitis

The contagiousness of meningitis varies depending on its underlying cause. Bacterial meningitis is contagious and can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual. For instance, mothers can pass these bacteria to their newborns during childbirth, or it can spread through respiratory droplets, making it a concern in close-knit communities.

In contrast, other forms of meningitis, such as those resulting from physical trauma or non-infectious causes, are not contagious.

Meningitis in Different Age Groups

Meningitis can affect individuals of all age groups, and its symptoms and severity can vary significantly. In newborns, fever is a key symptom of meningitis. Infants can contract bacterial meningitis during childbirth or through contact with infected individuals. Early detection is crucial, and healthcare professionals recommend immediate medical attention if a newborn develops a fever in the first few weeks of life.

In children and adolescents, viral meningitis often presents with symptoms like fever, stiff neck, and behavioral changes. Severe bacterial meningitis, especially Neisseria meningitidis, can progress rapidly in adolescents, leading to severe damage or death. It may start with cold or flu-like symptoms before rapidly worsening.

College students and those living in close quarters are at a higher risk of bacterial meningitis transmission. This has led to recommendations for vaccination before college to reduce the risk.

Even adults can contract bacterial meningitis, often from Streptococcus pneumoniae, which also causes pneumonia and sinus infections. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to listeria-caused meningitis. When traveling to regions where Neisseria meningitidis is prevalent, vaccination may also be recommended.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing meningitis involves various tests, including X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, and spinal taps to examine cerebrospinal fluid. These tests help healthcare professionals identify the cause and severity of the infection.

Bacterial meningitis is typically treated with antibiotics, which have been shown to significantly reduce mortality rates when administered promptly. In cases where there’s a possibility of exposure to bacterial meningitis, prophylactic antibiotics may also be prescribed as a precautionary measure.

Fungal meningitis requires anti-fungal medications, usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Viral and parasitic meningitis often receive symptom-based treatment, as specific antiviral or antiparasitic drugs are limited.

Preventive Measures: Vaccination

Preventing meningitis is a critical public health concern. Vaccination plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infection. Children are recommended to receive meningococcal conjugate vaccines, with booster shots during adolescence to protect against multiple serogroups (A, C, W, and Y) of meningitis-causing bacteria.

Additionally, college-bound students may opt to receive the Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine to protect against meningitis B. While adults are generally at lower risk, vaccination may be recommended for those with specific vulnerabilities, such as pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Routine vaccinations against other bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, have also contributed to a decline in meningitis cases in children.

Conclusion

Meningitis is a multifaceted condition with various causes, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, as well as non-infectious factors. Understanding the different types of meningitis, their contagiousness, and the associated risks at different life stages is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis through tests like spinal taps and appropriate treatment with antibiotics or antifungals can be life-saving. However, prevention remains the most effective approach. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, especially for children, adolescents, and college students living in close quarters. By increasing awareness and understanding of meningitis, we can work towards better protection and improved public health outcomes.