The type of bacterial meningitis that becomes epidemic among adults is caused by
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis. There are several types, or serogroups, of Neisseria meningitidis. The most common of these serogroups are A, B, C, D, X, Y, 29E, and W135.Serogroups A, B, C, and Y are responsible for most meningococcal diseases.igns & Symptoms. Meningococcal meningitis is one of the three most common types of bacterial meningitis. The incubation period averages 3-4 days (range 1-10 days), which is the period of communicability. It progresses more rapidly than any other acute form of bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is caused by any one of several bacteria. The most common bacteria causing meningitis in children and adults in the U.S. are Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and, in older patients with decreased immunity, Listeria monocytogenes.eningitis is almost always caused by a bacterial or viral infection that began elsewhere in the body, such as in the ears, sinuses, or upper respiratory tract. Less common causes of meningitis include fungal infection, autoimmune disorders, and medications. 1 Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. 2  The extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east (26 countries), has the highest rates of the disease.t can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses and bacteria. The type of meningitis and its cause can only be determined by conducting laboratory tests. Viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is the most common type of meningitis and is less severe than bacterial meningitis.In Illinois, an average of 600 cases of aseptic meningitis is reported annually, with most occurring in late summer and early autumn.n other patients, the symptoms can be severe and begin suddenly with fever, headache and stiff neck accompanied by some combination of other symptoms: decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright light, confusion and sleepiness. Beyond the newborn period, the most common causes of bacterial meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. All three of these organisms are respiratory pathogens.They are spread from person to person by close contact with respiratory secretions.eningitis epidemics are generally caused by serogroup A, although outbreaks have also been caused by serogroups C, W135, and X (1-3, 7, 13, 21, 28). Outbreaks of different serogroups may overlap, therefore, laboratory confirmation is important both to recognize and monitor the progression of outbreaks (5-7). Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the meninges that affects the brain membrane. It can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated.Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics.There are 12 serogroups of N. meningitidis that have been identified, 6 of which (A, B, C, W, X and Y) can cause epidemics.t can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics. 1 Haemophilus meningitis is most frequently caused by Haemophilus influenza type b, also known as Hib. 2  Before effective vaccines became available and widely used, Hib was the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis in children 5 years of age and younger.3  In Illinois, an average of 230 cases was reported annually.n other patients, the symptoms can be severe and begin suddenly with fever, headache and stiff neck accompanied by some combination of other symptoms: decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright light, confusion and sleepiness. Two of the most common symptoms include severe headache and a stiff neck. The neck may be so stiff it is difficult to lower your chin to your chest. Fever is also common and can develop with all causes of meningitis, but is often higher with bacterial meningitis. Additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting and fatigue.lthough different types of meningitis tend to have similar symptoms, the severity will often vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may develop over a few days, but they can also come on suddenly and progress fast. Bacterial meningitis usually causes the most severe symptoms and the fastest progression. Key facts. 1  Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. 2  The extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east (26 countries), has the highest rates of the disease.t can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is the one with the potential to cause large epidemics. Though Neisseria meningitidis affects a large range of ages, it can be found most frequently in children and college-aged individuals [2]. Children and young adults are especially at risk for contracting meningococcal meningitis, due the environments and social conditions they are exposed to [1].or those that survive the disease, they are fortunate in that Neisseria meningitidis has a lower risks associated with its contraction than the other two bacteria that cause acute bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus pneuomoniae and Haemophilus influenzae).
Neisseria meningitidis.