Other causes of meningitis

Viruses and bacteria are the most common causes of meningitis; however other organisms, such as fungi and amoeba, may also cause this disease, although these cases are extremely rare.

Fungal meningitis is most commonly caused by species of Cryptococcus, particularly Cryptococcus neoformans.  Fungal meningitis normally only occurs in immunocompromised or immunodeficient individuals, such as patients suffering with AIDS or leukaemia.

Amoebic meningitis is a very serious form of meningitis, which is nearly always fatal.  The most important causes of amoebic meningitis are in the genera Naegleria and Acanthamoeba.  Cases of amoebic meningitis usually occur in children and young adults and are acquired via infected water.  Cases have also been reported in AIDS patients.