Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Although the most common causes are infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), chemical agents and even tumor cells may cause meningitis. Encephalitis and brain abscess can complicate infective meningitis.

Vaccination

Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) have decreased early childhood meningitis significantly.

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Vaccines against type A and C Neisseria meningitidis, the kind that causes most disease in preschool children and teenagers in the United States have also been around for a while. Type A also prevalent in sub-Sahara Africa and W135 outbreaks have affected those on Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Related Topics:
Neisseria meningitidis - United States - Sahara - Hajj - Mecca

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A vaccine called (MeNZB) for a specific strain of type B Neisseria meningitidis prevalent in New Zealand has completed trials and is being given to everyone in the country under the age of 20. There is also a vaccine, MenBVac, for the specific strain of type B meningoccocal disease prevalent in Norway, and another specific vaccine for the strain prevalent in Cuba.

Related Topics:
MeNZB - New Zealand - Norway - Cuba

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