Streptococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection triggering inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes. Caused mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae, it can lead to severe health issues if untreated. Vaccination and prompt treatment are essential for prevention and recovery, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and immunocompromised adults.

Causes and Prevention of Streptococcal Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis, a common type, results from bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Listeria monocytogenes.

What is streptococcal meningitis?
This condition is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infecting the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation.

The meninges contain cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the brain. Bacterial invasion releases toxins, causing swelling and tissue damage.

Pathogenic bacteria release harmful substances into cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in meningitis signs. The main bacterial groups involved are Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

GAS bacteria live in the throat and skin, often causing minor infections like sore throats and skin issues, but they can also cause serious illnesses like sepsis or pneumonia. GBS bacteria are found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina, with a small chance of transmission during childbirth, potentially causing newborn meningitis.

Many carry these bacteria asymptomatically, but they spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact. Mild symptoms include sore throat or ear pain; without treatment, it may develop into severe diseases like meningitis, pneumonia, or septicemia.

Neonates are particularly vulnerable, with a 1% risk of GBS transmission from mother to baby. After recovery, long-term effects such as cognitive impairment, hearing loss, or neurological issues can appear weeks or months later.

Immunocompromised adults face higher susceptibility. In severe cases, bacteria enter the bloodstream, harming blood vessels and causing internal bleeding, a condition called sepsis.

Symptoms of streptococcal meningitis include: headache, stiff neck, nausea, and sometimes skin rashes. In infants, symptoms are less obvious, underscoring the need for swift medical care.

Treatment involves early detection and antibiotics. A lumbar puncture confirms diagnosis by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. Untreated infections can cause neurological damage, organ failure, or death.

Prevention includes vaccines, especially for children aged 11-12 and adolescents, with meningococcal conjugate and serogroup B vaccines. At-risk adults should also consider vaccination to lower bacterial meningitis risk.