What Causes Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria that enter the body and travel to the meninges, where they multiply and release toxins that cause inflammation and swelling.

The most common bacteria that cause meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as pneumococcus), and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).

How is Bacterial Meningitis Spread?

Meningitis can be spread through close contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or sputum, from an infected person. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions or by sharing items that have come into contact with their respiratory secretions, such as a cup or utensil. In some cases, it can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

People who are at higher risk for bacterial meningitis include:

●     Infants and young children

●     People with compromised immune systems

●     People with chronic health conditions

●     People who are in close living quarters with others such as college students or military personnel.

Where is Bacterial Meningitis Most Commonly Found?

Bacterial Meningitis can be caused by a variety of different bacteria, but is most commonly caused by one of the following:

●     Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and is responsible for outbreaks of meningitis that occur in crowded settings such as college dormitories and military barracks. 

●     Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis and is responsible for a significant proportion of cases that occur in children. 

●     Haemophilus influenzae. This bacterium is responsible for a small percentage of cases of bacterial meningitis, but it is a more common cause of meningitis in children and is particularly prevalent in developing countries.

Bacterial meningitis can occur anywhere in the world, but it is more common in certain areas where there are crowded living conditions and poor hygiene. It is also more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.

How Effective is Meningitis ACWY Vaccination

The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective at preventing meningitis and sepsis caused by the four types of bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) covered by the vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MenACWY vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing meningitis and sepsis caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y in people who receive the vaccine.

However, MenACWY vaccine is not effective at preventing all types of meningitis. There are several other types of bacteria that can cause meningitis, and there are currently no vaccines available to protect against all types of meningitis.

It is also important to remember that the MenACWY vaccine may not provide protection against meningitis and sepsis immediately after vaccination. It typically takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection against these diseases.