What Is The Difference Between Bacterial Meningitis And Viral Meningitis?

Meningitis is a swelling and inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain – it can be caused by infection caused by both bacteria and viruses.

Bacterial meningitis is by far the most dangerous of the two. It can be caused by several bacteria from different species – meningococci, pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae B. E coli meningitis can also occur but is rare in everyone except very small babies.

Someone with meningitis develops symptoms very quickly and needs prompt treatment as the infection can take over very rapidly, causing death. Meningitis starts with a fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright light and vomiting. The skin also has a rash that looks like small bruises or blisters. Antibiotic therapy must be started immediately to reduce the bacteria in the spinal fluid and brain.

Viral meningitis gives similar but less severe symptoms but, of course, cannot be treated with antibiotics – people usually get better on their own with rest and care.