Within this classification framework, meningitis is defined as a broad, source-reported category that aggregates all documented etiologies without restricting analysis to bacterial pathogens alone [3]. The scope explicitly remains non-additive and must not be narrowed to bacterial forms when laboratory confirmation is absent [3]. This conceptual boundary ensures accurate tracking of the full spectrum of meningeal inflammation, which arises from diverse microbial invasions alongside non-infectious triggers such as chemical exposures, structural injuries, and neoplastic processes [1][2]. By maintaining an inclusive etiological perimeter, surveillance systems can capture the complete public health footprint of meningeal pathology across varying resource settings and demographic cohorts [3].
Disease overview
OtherMeningitis (all reported etiologies)
脑膜炎（全部报告病因）
Meningitis represents a significant global health challenge characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord [1][2]. This condition encompasses both infectious and non-infectious origins, with etiologies ranging from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to physical trauma, malignancies, and pharmacological agents [1]. While any individual across all age groups and regions may develop the illness, pathogen prevalence shifts according to demographic factors, immune status, and environmental exposures [1][3]. Certain microbial causes carry a particularly severe prognosis, often necessitating immediate clinical intervention to mitigate substantial mortality and long-term neurological sequelae [2].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile2
- 1World Health Organization. Meningitis [Internet]. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis
- 2World Health Organization. Meningitis [Internet]. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/meningitis
- 3GlobalID Disease Ontology. GlobalID ontology concept D235: Meningitis (all reported etiologies) [Internet]. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://github.com/xmusphlkg/globalID2/blob/development/configs/disease_ontology.json
Coverage
Reporting countries and regions
Trends by reporting country
Monthly patterns over time
Data access
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