The meningitis that results from bacteria entering the bloodstream from the sinuses or ears is which type?

• A. Viral
• B. Fungal
• C. Bacterial
• D. Parasitic

Answer: (C)

Meningitis that arises when bacteria travel from a nearby infection into the bloodstream and then seed the meninges is bacterial meningitis. The bacteria from a sinus or ear infection enter the blood (bacteremia) and cross into the CNS, triggering the inflammatory response that characterizes bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by viruses and is not driven by bacterial spread from a sinus or ear infection. Fungal meningitis occurs mainly in people with weakened immunity and comes from fungal organisms disseminating to the CNS, not from a typical sinus or ear bacterial spread. Parasitic meningitis is rare and involves parasites rather than bacteria. So the described route is best described as bacterial meningitis.