Key facts This is a serious infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal within 24 hours. It is caused by different types of bacteria, meaning vaccine development is complex Overview Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There is a high risk of death and long term complications such as hearing loss, and requires urgent medical care. There are four main causes of acute bacterial meningitis: Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus) Haemophilus influenzae Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) The disease is a significant global health threat – particularly in Africa’s meningitis belt stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. However, anyone can become ill with the disease. Newborn babies are most at risk from group B streptococcus, while pneumococcus and meningococcus are more commonly seen in older adults.…