infective organisms in meningitis classified by patient age
Last reviewed 01/2018
The likely meningitic causative-organism varies with age. Listed in order of likelihood in the UK:
- neonates - ie less than one month:
- E.coli (K1)
- group B beta-haemolytic
- streptococci
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pneumococcus
- children from one month to 15 years:
- Haemophilus influenzae B
- Meningococcus
- Pneumococcus
- adults over 15 years:
- Pneumococcus
- Meningococcus
- elderly adults:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Gram negative organisms