How do you get bacterial meningitis?

Infection: Dont know what you are looking for- giving a general answer. Usually infection from other parts of body may spread to the meninges (the layers surrounding the brain). Infection in blood, infection in parts of body adjacent to the brain like ear, nose, sinus etc. And also if the is some form if manipulation of the meninges (shunt, brain surgery, lumbar puncture), it increases the risk.

Infection: Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and spine. The infection can be acquired by exposure to an infected individual with meningitis such as in dorms an camps. Respiratory infections and sepsis can also be a source of infection as post operative infections from a neurosurgical procedure . Injuries that cause a spinal fluid leak can also cause infection.

Contagion: Some are from contact with an infected patient such as meningococcal, but some develop secondary to an infection elsewhere in the body, such as lung affected cns.

Germ + invasion: Your typical meningitis germ can be acquired from contact with an asymptomatic carrier or actual meningitis patient in secretions they leave behind. This includes on objects or surface or through direct contact. Your hands can pick them up, pass them to your face where they can enter the nose or upper airway. They can linger for a while & do nothing or begin to invade & cause you an infection.