Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia?

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain. It can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and amoeba.

Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning), this is when the bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiplies uncontrollably. This is most often seen with meningococcal meningitis, causing meningococcal septicaemia.

Use the menu bar on the left to find out more about the different types of meningitis, treatment, prevention and vaccines.