Compared with viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis is typically more severe and is commonly caused by which organism?

• A. Bacterial meningitis is more severe and often caused by Streptococcus
• B. Viral meningitis is more severe
• C. Bacterial meningitis is less severe
• D. Meningitis is only viral

Answer: (A)

Bacterial meningitis is typically more severe than viral meningitis because bacteria provoke a strong inflammatory response in the meninges, leading to a rapid, triad-filled illness with fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, and higher risk of complications. In adults, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a leading bacterial cause, with Neisseria meningitidis also important in younger people. That combination—greater severity and a common bacterial culprit—explains why the statement describing bacterial meningitis as more severe and commonly caused by Streptococcus is the best fit. Viral meningitis tends to be milder and often self-limiting, and meningitis is not exclusively viral.