Chronic Meningitis Research Papers

Most cases of meningitis in the U.S. are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections can also lead to meningitis. Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis can get better on its own in a couple of weeks – or it can be a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent antibiotic treatment. Acute bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord. It can also occur when bacteria directly attacks the meninges, as a result of an ear or sinus infection, or a skull fracture, or rarely, after some surgeries. Each year, viruses cause a more number of cases of meningitis than do bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. A group of viruses known as enteroviruses is responsible for most viral meningitis cases in the United States. …show more content…
Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis. Chronic forms of meningitis occur when slow-growing organisms attack the membranes and fluid encompassing the brain. Although acute meningitis strikes abruptly, chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. Nevertheless, the signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis — headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis. Fungal meningitis is relatively rare and causes chronic meningitis. Occasionally, it can imitate acute bacterial meningitis. However, this form of meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as HIV/ AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication. Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (MayoClinic,