bacterial meningitis
meningitis caused by bacteria, usually characterized by fever, headache, a stiff neck, and altered mental status. Common pathogens are Haemophilus influenzae (see Haemophilus influenzae m.), Neisseria meningitidis (see meningococcal m.), Streptococcus pneumoniae (see pneumococcal m.), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (see tuberculous m.). Called also purulent or pyogenic m. Cf. viral m.
Medical dictionary.
2011.