Overview
Pneumococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus). This condition is sometimes called bacterial meningitis or pneumococcal bacterial meningitis. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream and invade the fluid and lining around the brain, causing dangerous swelling and inflammation. Without fast treatment, this swelling can damage brain tissue and become life-threatening. The infection usually comes on very quickly, often within hours. Common symptoms include a very severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and confusion. In babies and young children, symptoms can look different — they may have a bulging soft spot on the head, be unusually fussy or sleepy, or refuse to eat. A skin rash with small red or purple spots can also appear and is a medical emergency. Pneumococcal meningitis is treated in the hospital with strong intravenous (IV) antibiotics, most commonly penicillin or cephalosporins like ceftriaxone. Steroids such as dexamethasone are often given alongside antibiotics to reduce brain swelling. Early treatment greatly improves survival, but some survivors may be left with lasting effects such as hearing loss, memory problems, or other neurological difficulties. Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae (such as PCV13 and PPSV23) are the best way to prevent this disease.
Key symptoms:
Very severe headacheHigh feverStiff neck that is hard to bend forwardSensitivity to bright lightNausea and vomitingConfusion or difficulty thinking clearlyDrowsiness or difficulty staying awakeSeizuresSmall red or purple spots or a rash on the skinIn babies: bulging soft spot on the headIn babies: high-pitched unusual cryingIn babies: refusing to feed or eatLoss of consciousness
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventAmerican University of Beirut Medical Center
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableAmBisome
Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-infected patients
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Financial Resources
1 resourcesTravel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Pneumococcal meningitis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Pneumococcal meningitis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Pneumococcal meningitis
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Lebanese Interhospital Pneumococcal Surveillance Program
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Pneumococcal meningitis
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What long-term complications should I watch for after pneumococcal meningitis, and how will they be monitored?,Should I have my hearing tested, and how soon after recovery?,Is there a reason I got this infection — do I have an underlying immune problem that should be investigated?,What vaccines do I and my family members need now to prevent future infections?,Are there any signs of brain or nerve damage, and what rehabilitation support is available?,How long will recovery take, and when can I return to work or school?,Are there support groups or resources for survivors of bacterial meningitis?
Common questions about Pneumococcal meningitis
What is Pneumococcal meningitis?
Pneumococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus). This condition is sometimes called bacterial meningitis or pneumococcal bacterial meningitis. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream and invade the fluid and lining around the brain, causing dangerous swelling and inflammation. Without fast treatment, this swelling can damage brain tissue and become life-threatening. The infection usually comes on very quickly, often within hours. Common symptoms inc
How is Pneumococcal meningitis inherited?
Pneumococcal meningitis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Are there clinical trials for Pneumococcal meningitis?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Pneumococcal meningitis on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Pneumococcal meningitis?
15 specialists and care centers treating Pneumococcal meningitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.