{"id":9056,"date":"2019-08-16T10:54:58","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T10:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9056"},"modified":"2021-06-21T13:33:42","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T13:33:42","slug":"16-known-causes-of-bacterial-meningitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-known-causes-of-bacterial-meningitis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Known Causes of Bacterial Meningitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bacterial meningitis is a severe infection that causes a variety of symptoms and even death. It occurs when the meninges in the body become swollen and inflamed. It can be treated with antibiotics, but there is still a relatively high fatality rate. The best thing to do is to avoid getting bacterial meningitis. There are many known causes of the infection, and while some people are more susceptible to it than others, anyone can potentially develop meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common way it\u2019s contracted is through a virus.  Certain injuries, health problems, and medical procedures can also cause antibiotics. The symptoms of meningitis can be similar to those of the flu and other common ailments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the symptoms become more severe, the bacteria have likely spread the infection has become worse. If you think you may have come in contact with any of these causes of bacterial meningitis or if you suspect you may have it, seek medical attention immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Streptococcus Pneumoniae<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This bacteria is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in young children, especially infants. It\u2019s a common bacteria that can cause mild infections like sinus infections<\/a>, and pneumonia more often than it causes bacterial meningitis.\u00a0 It can be transmitted from person to person or from surfaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the bacteria is so common, there are vaccinations that can help protect people from contracting it. These vaccinations are typically given to children as babies and before they enter school. Some states even require vaccination before children can enter school or go to daycares.  It is most commonly spread when a person sneezes or coughs, and another person inhales those particles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resulting infection can take many forms and may be mild or severe. If the bacteria invade the bloodstream and travel to the brain or spinal fluid, a person may develop bacterial meningitis. It is commonly treated with antibiotics but may lead to severe complications, and in some cases, it can be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Neisseria Meningitides<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is another common bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. This bacteria often causes upper respiratory infections, but if it enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain or spinal fluid, it can lead to meningitis as well. This infection is very contagious<\/a>, and it is most common in young adults and teenagers. There are often epidemics of it in colleges, high schools, military schools, and even military bases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are vaccinations available, and many doctors recommend children get a vaccine or booster before they start high school or go off to college. Since the bacteria live in the respiratory system, it is often expelled when someone coughs or sneezes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a person breathes in the bacteria, they may develop an infection. Sometimes the infection is mild and can clear up on its own or with antibiotics. If it is left untreated and remains in the body for a long time, it may be more likely to get into the bloodstream and turn into meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Haemophilus Influenza<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This bacteria used to be the number one way for children to contract meningitis. It would often wreak havoc on schools, camps, and other areas where there are tight quarters. As with other types of bacteria, this type may cause mild infections such as sinus infections or upper respiratory infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can go away on their own or with medication. If the bacteria is left untreated and the sufferer does not recover, there\u2019s a chance that it can spread to the bloodstream and turn into meningitis<\/a>. Luckily, there are vaccinations that have been successful at almost eradicating this bacteria, so it is less likely to be contracted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who have not been vaccinated may still contract it but are more likely o contract a more mild strain.  The vaccines for this strain is mandatory for most states, and children cannot attend school or daycare if they have not been vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Listeria Monocytogenes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Listeria <\/a>is a dangerous bacteria that can be deadly for a lot of reasons. It is commonly found on foods such as unpasteurized cheeses, lunchmeat, and produce. There are often outbreaks of the bacteria in certain cities, and in many cases, they can be traced back to specific factories or restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listeria normally affects people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women, or young children and infants. It\u2019s especially dangerous to pregnant women because it can cross the placenta barrier and infect unborn babies. If this infection occurs late in pregnancy, it can be fatal to the baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listeria is typically treated with antibiotics, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to meningitis. While there is no way to avoid getting listeria, reducing your intake of uncooked foods can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you hear of a listeria outbreak, avoid eating food that could be related, and if you fear you may have been in contact with infected foods, see a doctor for proper treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Group B Strep<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Group B Strep<\/a> is a serious infection that can lead to many serious complications. It is most serious for infants who may contract it while still in the womb or during birth. The bacteria lives around the rectum and vagina, and if it comes into contact with the baby, it may infect the child. It can lead to meningitis and other complications. In some cases, babies die from the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most women are checked for Group B strep before they deliver. A swab takes a sample of the fluid around the vagina and rectum during a normal prenatal exam. Strep B is common in many women, and it can be cleared up with antibiotics. As long as the bacteria are not present during delivery, there is no risk to the baby.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some women are tested regularly from the time they first test positive for the bacteria until they deliver the child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. E. coli <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

E. coli<\/a> is another bacteria that is often transmitted through food. It is often found growing on uncooked meats such as chicken or beef. It can also grow on produce, cheese, and other dairy products. In many cases, there are outbreaks of E. coli, and many people become ill after being exposed to infected food.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

E Coli is the second most common cause of neonatal meningitis, and women can carry it in their vagina or intestines, where it can be passed along to the unborn child. E Coli can be harmless if it does no invade certain parts of the body. It can cause problems if it enters the intestines, bloodstream, urinary tract, or meninges.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some common symptoms of a mild E Coli infection include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. If left untreated or if it spreads to other areas of the body, it can turn into meningitis and cause further complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Skipping Vaccinations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many vaccinations that help prevent people from contracting both viral and bacterial meningitis. It is essential to ensure that you are current on your meningitis vaccines. It is also important to make sure other vaccines <\/a>are current. There are many types of secondary infections that can lead to meningitis. Just because you receive one vaccination doesn\u2019t mean it will protect you from all the different types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting too long in between vaccines can also increase your risk of developing the disease. If you or your children have already received a vaccination for meningitis, check with the doctor to make sure there is no need for a booster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many schools, daycares, and summer camps require children to be vaccinated and current on those vaccinations before they can attend the program.  Skipping a vaccine doesn\u2019t mean you will develop meningitis, but it does increase your risk of contracting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Certain Medical Conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are certain medical conditions that make a person more at risk for developing meningitis. Some of these conditions include problems with the immune system. People who have HIV and are taking immunosuppressant drugs can develop it as well as those who are receiving chemotherapy <\/a>for cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who spend a lot of time in hospitals, in general, are more likely to be exposed to different types of bacteria that can lead to meningitis. People who have surgery are also more likely to develop an infection that may lead to meningitis. Surgeries to the spine in particular increase that risk.  People who spend a lot of time in close quarters with others are also more likely to develop meningitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daycare works, school teachers, camp counselors, college students may be exposed to it more often. Pregnant women also have an increased risk of developing meningitis. If you are worried, you may be at risk due to an existing medical condition, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent it.
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9. Contact with Asymptomatic Carriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial meningitis can remain asymptomatic <\/a>in affected individuals. In other words, some people can carry the disease without even displaying any symptoms of the sickness. These individuals may carry the disease without showing signs for months or maybe even years at a time. However, eventually, the majority of asymptomatic carriers will also begin to display symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the asymptomatic period of the infection, the infected individual may pass on the bacteria to multiple of the people without their knowledge. The bacteria responsible for bacterial meningitis spreads easily through droplets in aerosols as well as other body fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you come in contact with the asymptomatic carrier of the disease, there is a good chance that you will experience infection as well. However, not everyone that comes in contact with an asymptomatic carrier will develop bacterial meningitis or catch the disease. The length of exposure to the asymptomatic carrier is critical in determining the rate of infection in other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Contact with Body Fluids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of bacterial meningitis occur due to contact with an infected person. The person may be displaying symptoms, or they may be in the asymptomatic stage of the disease. Asymptomatic people do not exhibit any symptoms affiliated with bacterial meningitis. However, both people that are displaying symptoms of the disease and those that do not show any signs of bacterial meningitis can spread the disease to other healthy people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This characteristic makes bacterial meningitis a very serious disease that concerns health professionals. Should a person develop bacterial meningitis, doctors will often trace down all the other people the person has come in contact with over the last few weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria that cause meningitis will pass from one person to another through droplets or aerosols in sneezes and coughs. It may also pass between saliva <\/a>or spit. Therefore, individuals that kiss each other on the lips may also experience transmission and infection with the disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Age of the Patient <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The age of the patient also plays a significant role in the development of bacterial meningitis. There are different strains of bacterial meningitis, and research shows that different strains prefer infecting different people. For example, certain strains are more prevalent in children than adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, one of the first things doctors do to identify the presence of bacterial meningitis is to test the affected individual. The test determines the strain that the physician <\/a>is dealing with and the treatment going forward. Some strains of bacterial meningitis are more concerning to health care professionals than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, bacterial meningitis has a high case fatality rate in young children and seniors. Prompt identification, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease are necessary for patients to make a full recovery. In some cases, it may take longer for seniors to recover from the illness as compared to young children. People that have an immune-compromised system are at high risk of dying from the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Lack of Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial meningitis is a preventable disease. Since the bacteria <\/a>responsible for creating the illness comes from many different strains, modern medical science requires a range of vaccines to prevent infection. The first vaccine for bacterial meningitis launched in 1981. The initial vaccine offered protection against four of the 13 strains of bacterial meningitis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the introduction of the vaccine, rates of infection with bacterial meningitis fell by more than 30% between the years of 1988 to 2007. The meningococcal vaccine is the primary bacterial meningitis vaccine administered to all children in the United States. Children must have this vaccination between the ages of 11 and 12, and again at 16 years old when the infection risk becomes higher. As with all vaccines, there are side effects that may occur in some individuals. If you receive a meningitis vaccine and then experience any of the contraindications of the vaccine, make sure you contact your doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your risk for contracting bacterial meningitis depends on your exposure to risk factors<\/a> that characterize the disease. Bacterial meningitis can occur in individuals of any age. However, it’s more common for infants to contract the bacteria that cause the condition. It’s for this reason that physicians will administer pneumococcal vaccinations early after the child’s birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other factors that might increase your risk of contracting bacterial meningitis include working around small children in a creche nursery. Since bacterial meningitis is an exceptionally infectious disease, if one child would have contracted bacterial meningitis, there’s a good chance that they will give it to all the other kids in the nursery. The children will take the disease home to the family and then spread it amongst the household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working with or around children presents the most significant risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. However, if you come in contact with other people in your line of work, then the chances are that you are also at risk of contracting bacterial meningitis if the other person has the disease. Always practice disease prevention, such as washing your hands regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Treatment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a patient receives a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, they are usually in the advanced stages of the disease. By the stage, the bacteria are colonizing around the brain and may start to cause severe interactions with the patient’s nervous system<\/a>. At this stage, the patient will need immediate hospitalization to save their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient does not receive immediate treatment, the bacteria may start to cause a buildup in the neck at the brainstem, resulting in the failure of the nervous response required to keep the patient breathing. As a result, the patient will require the use of a ventilator for assistance with breathing. Research shows that up to 80% of people intubated on a ventilator will not survive the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the majority of cases, the affected individual required mission to an intensive care unit. Antibiotics are essential in the treatment of the disease. Doctors may start treatment with these medications before they receive the results of the blood test confirming bacterial meningitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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