The definition of meningitis is any inflammation of the meninges or membranes of the central nervous system. This inflammation can be caused by any number of pathogens such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Bacteria is most commonly associated with the disease even though causative viruses can be more prevalent, but never discovered because the mildness of the symptoms. The study of meningitis dates back to the 1960's when the causative organisms were discovered and treatments were developed. Since then the mortality rate from bacterial meningitis has not changed much despite the introduction of new antibiotics and treatments (Hussein 360).
In the case of bacterial meningitis no one casual organism causes all of the cases, but rather there are many that capable of causing it. Although there are many causal organisms, there are three that are most prevalent in cases diagnosed. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common causative agent in the Untied States causing 30-50% of......
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