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Meningitis is a severe inflammatory condition of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, with bacterial meningitis being the most fatal. The disease poses a significant global health burden, particularly in low-resource settings. Clinical presentation includes fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Early diagnosis through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, imaging, and laboratory tests is crucial for timely intervention. Despite advances in medical science, the mortality and morbidity associated with meningitis remain high, necessitating early treatment and preventive measures, including vaccines.

Meningitis can result in long-term neurological complications, including cognitive impairment, hearing loss, and seizures. The burden of the disease is disproportionately high in developing nations due to delayed diagnosis and limited healthcare infrastructure. The advent of molecular diagnostics, rapid antigen detection, and next-generation sequencing has significantly improved pathogen identification, enabling more effective and targeted treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on meningitis, including its epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies. Additionally, the challenges associated with antimicrobial resistance, vaccine coverage, and emerging pathogens are highlighted. Future perspectives on vaccine development, innovative therapeutic interventions, and the need for enhanced global surveillance are also explored. Given the substantial impact of meningitis worldwide, a multidisciplinary approach, including advancements in medical research, improved public health policies, and international collaborations, is crucial in mitigating its effects and reducing mortality rates.

KEYWORDS

Antibiotics, Bacterial meningitis, Cerebrospinal fluid, Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Fungal meningitis, Inflammation, Meninges, Meningitis, Prevention, Treatment, Viral meningitis, Vaccination