Understanding Types of Nervous System Infections: Bacterial & Viral Meningitis

* Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae.

* Viral meningitis is a less serious infection of the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by viruses, such as enteroviruses, mumps virus, and herpes simplex virus.