Definition

Noun 1. A serious, often fatal, bacterial infection causing inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). This specific type of meningitis is typically caused by bacteria, most notably Neisseria meningitidis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • An outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis prompted a mass vaccination campaign in the region.
  • The rapid onset of fever and a stiff neck are classic symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal meningitis are critical for survival.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal medical, epidemiological, and public health contexts to specify the bacterial and anatomical nature of the disease, distinguishing it from viral or fungal meningitis.
• It may be abbreviated in clinical notes as CSM.

Variants and Related Words

• Meningitis (n): The broader term for inflammation of the meninges, which can have bacterial, viral, or other causes.
• Meningococcal meningitis (n): A more specific term often used synonymously with cerebrospinal meningitis, as (the meningococcus) is a primary cause.

Synonyms

• Epidemic meningitis (n): Used when referring to outbreaks of the disease.
• Spotted fever (n, ): An older, non-specific term sometimes used historically for diseases with similar symptoms, including meningitis.

Related Phrases

• Meningitis belt: A geographical region in sub-Saharan Africa with a high incidence of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis.
• Meningitis vaccine: A vaccine designed to prevent bacterial meningitis, including the cerebrospinal form.

Noun

1. meningitis caused by bacteria and often fatal