Bacterial Meningitis

General Information

Bacterial meningitis is a group of diseases characterized by infection of the meninges (the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by a bacterium other than Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Groups A or B Streptococcus, or Listeria monocytogenes.

Some examples of other organisms that can cause bacterial meningitis are: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella species.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis may include: sudden onset of fever, intense headache, stiff or rigid neck, photophobia (sensitivity to light), nausea or vomiting.

Meningitis – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Provider Information

• Bacterial meningitis (Non-meningococcal, non-Haemophilus influenzae) EpiNet, P-01981 (PDF)
• Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical Testing Reference Manual