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Meningitis - pneumococcal

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Definition:

Pneumococcal meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).

Alternative Names:

Pneumococcal meningitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of meningitis in adults, and the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than age 6.

The onset of symptoms is usually rapid. Risk factors include recurrent meningitis, meningitis associated with leakage of spinal fluid, diabetes, injury or trauma to the head , alcohol use, recent pneumonia, recent upper respiratory infection, infection of a heart valve, spleen removal, or recent ear infection. About 15,000 cases occur in the United States each year.

• Review Date: 8/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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