What are the two main types of Meningitis & their symptoms
Viral and bacterial infections are the most common factor of meningitis. There are several other forms of meningitis. Like as include cryptococcal, which is caused by a fungal infection, and carcinomatous, which is cancer-related. These types are less common.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most important and common type of meningitis. Viruses in the Enterovirus category cause 85 % of cases. These are more common during the summer and fall, as follows:-
- Coxsackievirus A
- Coxsackievirus B
- Echoviruses
Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria. It is dangerous if left undiagnosed. Between 5 to 40 % of children and 20 to 50 % of adults with this condition die.
The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are follows:-
- Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is basically situated in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity and can cause known as pneumococcal meningitis.
- Neisseria meningitidis, which is surrounding through saliva and other respiratory fluids and causes what’s known as meningococcal meningitis.
- Haemophilus influenza, which can cause not only meningitis but infection of the blood, inflammation of the windpipe, cellulitis, and infectious arthritis
- Listeria monocytogenes, which are foodborne bacteria
Viral meningitis symptoms
Viral meningitis in infants may cause:
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Fever
In adults, viral meningitis may cause:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Less appetite
Bacterial meningitis symptoms
Bacterial meningitis symptoms develop suddenly. They may include:
- Psychological status
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Irritability
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Stiff neck
