Strictly speaking, meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. The meninges is the membrane surrounding the tissues of the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord and brain. The inflammation occurs because of a pathogen in the spinal cord fluid.
Spinal Infection
The spinal meningitis infection can be either bacterial or viral in nature. Both forms of the infection have similar symptoms, such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but they require different treatments. Also, the bacterial form is more dangerous than the viral form and requires early diagnosis to prevent death and disability. Diagnosis, and differentiating between the two types, is accomplished via a spinal tap to test the spinal fluid for the infectious agent. The disease can affect anyone of any age, though outbreaks tend to occur where individuals live in close quarters, like college dormitories.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is rarely fatal in healthy individuals, and the infection is sometimes referred to as aseptic meningitis. Symptoms of infection last for seven to ten days, clearing up after the virus has run its course. The majority of cases are caused by enteroviruses, which are more common during the summer and autumn months. Herpes and Mumps virus infections can also result in spinal meningitis.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a very serious and dangerous infection with 10-14% of all cases being fatal. Prior to widespread Hib vaccination, Haemophilus influenza type b was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. The most common causative agents today are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitides. Referred to as Meningococcal infections, there are vaccines available to prevent Neisseria infection.
Early antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of death to less than 15%. Untreated bacterial meningitis can result in septicemia (blood infection usually leading to death), brain damage, limb amputation, hearing loss (in 11-19% of all infections), and learning disabilities.
Raising Awareness on April 25
The Confederation of Meningitis Organizations was founded in 2004 to raise awareness about the disease, provide education about vaccines and treatments, and to raise funds for the research and development of vaccines and treatments as well as providing aid to families already affected by the disease.
April 25, 2009 is being promoted by the organizations as a day for joining hands in a virtual community against the disease. There is a sign-up sheet on their website to take part in the program, as well information about the disease, research news, and stories about survivors and families affected by the disease.
Alicia Mae Prater - Alicia received her doctorate in Experimental Pathology in 2007. She has been a freelance writer and scientific editor since 2008.
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