Why Does Meningococcal Disease Happen?
The Illness Occurs When the Bacteria Break Through the Protective Lining of the Nose and Throat, and Enter the Bloodstream. Once in the Bloodstream, They...
The illness occurs when the bacteria break through the protective lining of the nose and throat, and enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they multiply rapidly, doubling their numbers every 30 minutes. In some people the bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier, causing meningitis.
How is meningococcal disease caused?
Meningococcal disease is caused by strains of the bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis . It is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with mucus from an infected person. The subtypes are given different letters of the alphabet.
What is the main cause of meningitis?
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
