Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. Meninges is the protective membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Most of the cases of meningitis across the country are caused due to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Out of these, viral meningitis improves within a few days to a week even without treatment. Acute bacterial meningitis contributes to almost 80 percent of total cases of meningitis. Infection due to bacterial meningitis causes inflammation in the brain. This in turn interferes with the blood flow, which results in stroke and paralysis. Bacterial meningitis is one of those types of meningitis that can have life threatening symptoms and requires antibiotic treatment. Causes of bacterial meningitis Usually, children between the age one month and two years are most susceptible to bacterial meningitis. Outbreaks of bacterial meningitis can also occur in living situations where a person is in close contact with others, such as in college dormitories or in military barracks. The bacteria that is responsible for bacterial meningitis are commonly found in the environment and can also be found dormant in our respiratory system and in our nose without causing any harm. A person can get infected with bacterial meningitis for no known reasons.