Meningitis Definition
Meningitis is a condition when there is inflammation of the lining of the brain (meninges). Generally, the main causes of meningitis are viruses, fungi, and bacteria. However, there are also other causes, such as immunological reactions, systematic diseases, to lupus.
Causes and risk factors of meningitis
The common causes of meningitis are bacteria and viruses. Purulent meningitis is most commonly caused by Meningococcus, Pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Then, the main causes of serous meningitis are Mycobacterium tuberculosis and viruses. Pneumococcus is one of the worst causes of meningitis of all types of bacteria that cause this disease.
Some factors that increase the risk of this disease are environments with poor and solid hygiene and contact, or living at home with people with respiratory infections. The risk of transmission of Meningococcus meningitis will increase in crowded environments, such as dormitories or campgrounds.
Meningitis Types
The types of meningitis are distinguished based on pathogenic infections or germs that cause inflammation.
Bacterial meningitis
Some of the bacteria that cause inflammation of the lining of the brain are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., and Streptococcus group B.
These bacteria can be spread through breathing and throat secretions. Throat secretions mean droplets, or fluids removed from the mouth. That is, this disease can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing even through kis**sing.
In many cases, bacteria enter through your bloodstream in the sinuses, ears, or throat. The bacteria then travel to the brain through the bloodstream.
Bacterial infection in the brain membrane can cause serious disorders. Infected people generally need medical treatment as soon as possible because it can be life-threatening or cause brain damage.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is a more common condition than that caused by bacteria.
Inflammation in the lining of the brain due to viral infections can be caused by influenza virus, herpes simplex virus, Varicella-zoster virus, West Nile virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and measles-causing virus.
Fungal meningitis
This type of meningitis is less common than that caused by bacteria or viruses. Healthy people are very rarely affected by this condition.
The main cause is a fungus that infects the body and spreads through the bloodstream to the spinal cord or brain.
A 2015 study from the journal Clinical Microbiology, mentioned the most common types of fungi that cause meningitis are:
- Cryptococcus
- Blastomyces
- Histoplasma
- Coccidioides
A person with immune problems, such as people with AIDS, is more at risk of developing this type of inflammation of the lining of the brain.
Parasitic meningitis
Parasitic meningitis is a rare type of meningitis. This form causes brain infections that can develop quickly and be fatal.
Symptoms of parasitic meningitis generally appear after seven days of infection. Symptoms generally include confusion, loss of balance, seizures, hallucinations, and lack of sensitivity to the environment.
The Naegleria fowleri parasite, a cause of meningitis, is found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The parasite is also commonly found in industrial wastewater, untreated swimming pools, and water heaters.
This organism will enter the body through the nose and move towards the brain where it begins to destroy brain tissue. Parasitic meningitis is not contagious between humans.
Non-infectious meningitis
This type of meningitis is one that is not caused by infection. This type is caused by other conditions, diseases or medical treatments, such as:
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- Head injuries
- Brain surgery
- Cancer
- Cancer treatment
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis (Tuberculosis meningitis)
Meningitis Treatment
Treatment of meningitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain generally varies depending on the cause. For example, your doctor may prescribe antimicrobial medications, or run other therapies if meningitis is caused by cancer or lupus.
Meningitis Prevention
This disease can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding conditions that can trigger the spread of infection. To increase immunity from germs that cause meningitis, do vaccinations (including PCV vaccine) as recommended by doctors. This meningitis vaccine also needs to be obtained by everyone who wants to undergo hajj.
