Meningitis - pneumococcal
Alternate Names : Pneumococcal meningitis
Definition
Pneumococcal meningitis is a bacterial inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. See also:
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus). The bacteria is the most common cause of meningitis in adults, and the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than age 6. Risk factors include: - Alcohol use
- Diabetes
- History of meningitis
- Infection of a heart valve
- Injury or trauma to the head
- Meningitis in which there is leakage of spinal fluid
- Recent ear infection
- Recent pneumonia
- Recent upper respiratory infection
- Spleen removal
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