What causes Bacterial Meningitis?

The bacteria first cause an upper respiratory tract infection . Then it travels through the blood stream to the brain.

Worldwide, three types of bacteria cause the majority of cases of acute bacterial meningitis:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (the bacteria that causes pneumonia )
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)
  • In the US, widespread immunization has almost eliminated meningitis due to Hib

Other forms of bacterial meningitis include:

• Listeria monocytogenes meningitis
• Escherichia coli meningitis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis

Newborn babies and the elderly are more prone to get sick.

Some forms are spread by direct contact with fluid from the mouth or throat of an infected person. This can happen during a kiss or by sharing eating utensils. In general, meningitis is not spread by casual contact.