Other organisms or conditions that cause meningitis

Content provided by Healthwise

Print Email SHARE

On rare occasions, meningitis can be caused by conditions or organisms other than viruses and bacteria. These include:

The fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningitis in people who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Candida albicans usually causes infections in the mouth and the vagina.
The organisms that cause syphilis (Treponema pallidum) and Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).
Certain amoebas (Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba) found in contaminated water and soil. If these amoebas enter the body and are not treated quickly, they can cause serious and possibly fatal meningitis.
Certain parasites carried by rats and found in contaminated food.
Some medications. Why some people develop meningitis when they take certain medications is not known. Meningitis goes away when the medication is stopped:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, TMP-SMX)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen or naproxen)
- Levamisole (Ergamisol)
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Other substances such as immune globulin, mumps vaccine, and rubella vaccine.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	January 19, 2007

Last updated:	January 19, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.