A 41-year-old member asked:
Is there a difference between meningitis and meningococcal infection?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Nicolas Melgarejoanswered
Infectious Disease 18 years experience
Difference: Yes, there is. Meningitis is a syndrome, and the word actually refers to "inflammation of the meninges". Meningitis can be caused by many things, including infection, cancer, drugs and autoimmune entities among other things. However, the most common cause of meningitis are infections. Meningococcus can cause meningitis, but also sepsis, septic arthritis and bacteremia among other things.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Booth Wainscoatanswered
Infectious Disease 21 years experience
Yes: Meningitis is a general term which refers to any process resulting in inflammation or swelling of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. Meningococcal meningitis refers specifically to meningitis caused by the bacteria neisseria meningitidis. Several bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites may cause meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most severe.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Mar 1, 2019
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