How many strains of bacterial meningitis are there?

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Meningitis is an umbrella term for five types of the disease, each characterized by its underlying cause.

What strain is bacterial meningitis?

Several strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis, most commonly: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the United States.

What are the different types of meningitis?

Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, followed by bacterial meningitis. Rarer types of meningitis include chemical and fungal meningitis. The most common types of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal, pneumococcal, TB, group B streptococcal and E.

What is the most common meningitis?

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be very serious if not treated.

What is the most common strain of meningitis?

Meningococcal disease in the population The most common strain of meningococcal bacterium causing disease in a population changes over time. There are different strains (serogroups) of meningococcal bacteria known by letters of the alphabet, including A,B,C,W and Y.

What is the deadliest strain of meningococcal?

The ST-11 strain is associated with severe illness which often requires treatment in intensive care and has a higher associated death rate than other strains of meningococcal disease, (13% case fatality compared to 5-10%) 1.

Which is more serious bacterial or viral meningitis?

Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention. Vaccines are available to help protect against some kinds of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis.