Meningitis refers to the inflammatory symptoms of the meninges, three membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis usually develops when the fluid surrounding the meninges gets infected. COnsider the following main causes, types, and differentiating factors for meningitis, and if you experience any of the symptoms, contact a doctor immediately:

1. Causes of meningitis

Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of meningitis. Besides, there are various other causes of meningitis, which include drug allergies, cancer, chemical irritation, and fungi.

2. Types of meningitis

Viral and bacterial meningitis are the most common types of meningitis. In addition to these, the few other types of meningitis are based on their causes and symptoms.

• Viral meningitis
  This is the most common type of meningitis. It accounts for almost 85 percent of the reported cases. Viral meningitis is more common during the summer. Viruses like coxsackievirus A, coxsackievirus B, and echoviruses cause this condition. Other viruses that can cause the symptoms of viral meningitis are West Nile virus, influenza, mumps, HIV, measles, herpes viruses, and coltivirus. The symptoms of viral meningitis usually go away without any treatment. However, certain types need to be treated.
• Bacterial meningitis
  As the name suggests, it is caused due to contagious bacterial infections. If bacterial meningitis is left untreated, it can be fatal. The common types of bacteria which are responsible for bacterial meningitis include streptococcus pneumonia; this is commonly found in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity.
• Fungal meningitis
  It is one of the rare types of meningitis. The prime cause of fungal meningitis is the spread of a fungal infection in the body. Thus, this infection reaches the spinal cord or brain and causes inflammation. People with weak immune systems are at higher risk of developing the symptoms of fungal meningitis. The common fungus that causes fungal meningitis include cryptococcus, Blastomyces, and coccidiosis.
• Parasitic meningitis

Parasitic meningitis is less predominant than bacterial and viral meningitis. It is caused by parasites found in feces, dirt, animals, and foods such as raw fish, snails, and poultry. The main parasite responsible for causing parasitic meningitis is eosinophilic meningitis. Besides, parasites such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Baylisascaris procyonis, and Gnathostoma spinigerum are also responsible for it.

• Non-infectious meningitis

This is caused due to certain medical treatments or conditions, such as lupus, head injury, brain surgery, and cancer. This is never caused due to bacteria or viruses.

3. Difference between viral and bacterial meningitis

Viral meningitis is one of the most common types of meningitis. The symptoms of it are minor and go away without any treatment in most cases. Moreover, the symptoms of viral meningitis mostly occur during the summer and fall. On the other hand, the symptoms of bacterial meningitis are serious. It can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disability if left untreated. Hence, it is very important to consult a doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms.