Meningitis refers to a rare infection that affects the meninges or the delicate membranes covering the spinal cord and brain. Both kids and grown-ups are susceptible to getting meningitis. This condition is almost always triggered by some viral or bacterial infection. These infections commonly originate in the body apart from the brain, such as the throat, sinuses, or ears. Meningitis can also result from illness, physical injury, and even medications.

There are 5 main types of meningitis—viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious. This classification is made depending on the cause of meningitis. The symptoms for the different types of meningitis may be similar, but there are also some distinctions. The treatments and severity of the condition will also depend on its cause. It is, therefore, very important to identify the type one is dealing with in order to get the right treatment:

1. Bacterial meningitis
This is a life-threatening condition that may cause severe complications such as brain damage and even untimely death if left untreated. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and then move to the spinal cord and brain. The main types of bacteria responsible for this type of meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria may be spread through sneezing, coughing, saliva transfer, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

2. Viral meningitis
This type is more prevalent and less severe as compared to bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually brought on by enteroviruses. However, common viruses like mumps, measles, and chickenpox can also cause this condition. This type may be caused by viruses spread through mosquitoes and insects.

3. Parasitic meningitis
Naegleria fowleri is a parasite that is found to be the main source of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is a rare form of parasitic meningitis. This type may result in a brain infection that is fast-progressing and can be fatal. The regular symptoms for meningitis appear within 7 days of the infection, and this is accompanied by loss of balance, confusion, seizures, lack of attention, and hallucinations.

This parasite can be found in many freshwater sources like lakes, hot springs, and rivers. It is also found in poorly-treated swimming pools, soil, the water discharged from industries, and water heaters. It enters the body via the nose and then moves to the brain where it starts destroying the tissues.

4. Fungal meningitis
This type of meningitis is another rare type. It occurs when the fungus enters the blood. Anyone may be at risk of developing this condition, but it mostly affects people with weak immune systems. The disease is usually caused when one inhales fungus spores from contaminated soil, bat droppings, and bird droppings.

5. Non-infectious meningitis
This type cannot be transferred from one person to another, similar to the fungal and parasitic meningitis. It is mainly caused by cancer, brain surgery, lupus, head injury, or due to specific medicines. The symptoms are similar to standard meningitis like sudden fever, headaches, stiffness of the neck, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental state.