How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis? BM can get worse very quickly and is life-threatening. The most important difference between viral and bacterial meningitis, however, is the seriousness of the disease. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. A leukocyte count of ≥1000 cells/μL with a neutrophilic predominance is highly suggestive of bacterial meningitis, 1 whereas <1000 cells/μL with a lymphocytic predominance is more consistent with viral meningitis, tuberculous meningitis (TBM) or cryptococcal meningitis. Meningitis vs Flu – Differences. Viral and bacterial meningitis have different causes — a virus causes one, and bacteria causes the other, as their names imply. It occurs when the meninges become swollen. Bacterial and viral infections are often transmitted in similar ways, but symptoms and treatment methods may vary depending on the cause of your infection. Viral and bacterial meningitis have different causes — a virus causes one, and bacteria causes the other, as their names imply. If the diagnosis of viral meningitis becomes apparent in the next several days, the antibiotic(s) will be stopped. Someone suffering from viral meningitis usually will get better, even without treatment. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. Meningitis is caused by either viral or bacterial infection. Someone suffering from viral meningitis usually will get better, even without treatment. It can be life-threatening if it’s not treated rapidly. College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at greater risk of meningococcal meningitis. Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. It can … However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications, such as … Summary of Bacterial and Viral Meningitis. Sometimes this involves repeating the spinal tap in one or two days. A lumbar puncture is the usual procedure performed from which a diagnosis of bacterial vs. viral meningitis can be established. Flu (influenza) is a viral infection which attacks the respiratory system — throat, nose, and lungs. Several types of bacteria can first cause an upper respiratory tract infection and then travel through the bloodstream to the brain. The most important difference between viral and bacterial meningitis, however, is the seriousness of the disease. Viral meningitis often resolves on its own without treatment. There are two main types of meningitis, depending on the causative agent – bacterial and viral meningitis. Living in a community setting. A person with viral meningitis may pass on the virus, but this would be very unlikely to cause another person to develop viral meningitis as well. Viral meningitis is most common, accounting for over half of cases, but bacterial meningitis remains important, particularly as it has a high mortality . Doctors suspect viral meningitis based on symptoms and do a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to confirm the diagnosis.