Difference Between Bacterial Meningitis and Viral Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious medical condition that results from inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are two main types of meningitis, bacterial and viral. While both types have similar symptoms and can be life-threatening, they have different causes, treatments, and outcomes. In this essay, we will explore the differences between bacterial and viral meningitis.

What is Bacterial Meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges, caused by bacteria. It can be caused by different bacterial species. Example of such species are Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.

The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are similar and can include −

• Nausea

• Vomiting;

• Rash;

• Fever;

• Sleepiness

• Discomfort looking into bright light;

• Severe headache;

• Stiff neck;

• Confusion;

• Irritability, etc.

Bacterial meningitis is a very serious condition, which can result in severe complications, like hearing loss, brain damage, learning disability, etc. Untreated meningitis can be fatal for the patient.

It is important to determine the bacteria, causing meningitis and to start proper treatment as soon as possible, in order to avoid complications.

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory products and vitamins are also prescribed to the patients. If necessary analgesics can also be applied.

For some of the causative agents of bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, etc.) vaccines are developed.

Bacterial meningitis can be fatal due to late or confused diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, weak immune system, or other accompanying diseases. The increasing adaptation and resistance of the bacteria, causing meningitis to antibiotics is also a serious problem.

Bacterial meningitis spreads from one person to another through contact with fluids from the mouth or nose of a sick person.

What is Viral Meningitis?

Viral meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges, caused by viruses.

There are more than 50 types of viruses, causing meningitis. The most common are echovirus, poliovirus, and coxsackie. Most of the viruses, causing meningitis are more common in summer and fall.

The symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to the symptoms of and bacterial meningitis, listed above.

In general, the virus meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis. In most cases, no specific treatment is necessary. Most people with viral meningitis recover without special treatment within 7 to 10 days. In some cases, for example, meningitis caused by herpesvirus, antiviral medications are applied.

Complications are rarer in viral meningitis, but they can occur in patients with accompanying diseases or weak immune system. Reason for complication in viral meningitis can be also the neglecting of the disease or late diagnosis.

Viral meningitis can be spread from one person to another through saliva or stool.

Differences: Bacterial and Viral Meningitis

• Causes − Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The most common types of bacteria that cause meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. These bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or sneezing, or by direct contact with an infected person's saliva or mucus. In contrast, viral meningitis is caused by a viral infection. The most common viruses that cause meningitis are enteroviruses, which are transmitted through contact with infected feces or respiratory secretions. Other viruses that can cause meningitis include herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and West Nile virus.

• Symptoms − The symptoms of bacterial and viral meningitis are similar and can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. However, bacterial meningitis tends to have more severe symptoms and can progress rapidly, leading to coma or death if left untreated. In contrast, viral meningitis is usually milder and self-limited, with symptoms resolving within a few weeks without treatment

• Diagnosis − Diagnosis of meningitis typically involves a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is usually performed to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. In bacterial meningitis, the CSF will show high levels of white blood cells, low glucose levels, and elevated protein levels. In viral meningitis, the CSF will show a high number of white blood cells, but glucose and protein levels will usually be normal.

• Treatment − Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Treatment may also include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and support the body's immune response. Viral meningitis is usually self-limited and does not require specific treatment. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed, but these are not always effective

• Prevention − Prevention of both bacterial and viral meningitis involves measures to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccines are available for several types of bacteria that can cause meningitis, including pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib. These vaccines are recommended for children and adults who are at increased risk of infection, such as those with weakened immune systems or those who live in close quarters, such as college dormitories.

There is no vaccine available for viral meningitis, but measures such as practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and avoiding contact with contaminated feces can reduce the risk of infection.

The following table highlights the major differences between Bacterial Meningitis and Viral Meningitis −

Characteristics	Bacterial Meningitis	Viral Meningitis
Definition	Bacterial meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges, caused by bacteria.	Viral meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges, caused by viruses.
Causative agents	Bacterial meningitis can be caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.	More than 50 types of viruses cause meningitis. The most common are echovirus, poliovirus, and coxsackie.
Treatment	Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory products and vitamins are also prescribed to the patients. For some of the bacteria, causing meningitis are developed vaccines.	In most cases, no specific treatment is necessary, but in more severe viral meningitis antiviral medications are applied.
Complications	Bacterial meningitis can result in severe complications, like hearing loss, brain damage, learning disability, etc. Untreated meningitis can be fatal for the patient.	Complications are rare, but can occur in patients with accompanying diseases or weak immune system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bacterial and viral meningitis are serious medical conditions that can have similar symptoms but different causes, treatments, and outcomes. Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection and is more severe, while viral meningitis is caused by a viral infection and is usually milder.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for both types of meningitis, and prevention measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, can help reduce the risk of infection.