Meningitis A and B are two bacterial meningitis caused by two different serogroups of Neisseria meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bacterial meningitis is caused by Neisseria meningitis. Most of the cases of bacterial meningitis worldwide are caused by six serogroups (A, B, C, Y, W-135 and X).
The key difference between meningitis A and B is their cause. Meningitis A is a serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitis group A bacteria, while meningitis B is a serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitis group B bacteria.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Meningitis A
3. What is Meningitis B
4. Similarities – Meningitis A and B
5. Meningitis A vs B in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Meningitis A vs B
7. FAQ – Meningitis A and B
What is Meningitis A?
Meningitis A is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitis group A bacteria. This condition can mainly affect individuals aged 10 to 25. This condition is common in teenagers in school. Serogroup A strains have caused pandemic waves and large epidemics in China and Africa during the last century. Neisseria meningitis group A bacteria have a genome size of approximately 2,188,020 bp. One such example is the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A strain NMA510612, which can be isolated from patients with meningococcal meningitis in China.

Figure 01: Vaccine for Meningitis A
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers to prevent meningitis types A, C, W, and Y. It is usually administered to children when they are 13 or 14 years old but can be given up to the age of 25 for those who missed it earlier. Some of the popular brands of the MenACWY vaccine include Menveo® and MenQuadfi®.
What is Meningitis B?
Meningitis B is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitis group B bacteria. Neisseria meningitis serogroup B is a major cause of meningococcal disease in younger children and adolescents. This condition more commonly affects individuals of age 10 to 23. Moreover, disease surveillance conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2014 to 2016 found that the incidence of meningitis B in teens and young adults peaked between ages 18 and 20.

Figure 02: Vaccine for Meningitis B
The MenB (Meningitis B) vaccine is recommended starting at age 10. For those not at increased risk, the vaccine can be administered between ages 16 and 23, with the ideal age range being 16 to 18. Popular brands of the MenB vaccine include Bexsero® and Trumenba®.
Similarities Between Meningitis A and B
- Meningitis A and B are two bacterial meningitis caused by two different serogroups of Neisseria meningitis.
- Both types of bacterial meningitis may cause similar symptoms such as a painful, stiff neck, headache, high fever, feeling confused or sleepy, brushing easily all over the body, skin rash, and light sensitivity.
- Both types of bacterial meningitis can be diagnosed through physical examination and brain scans.
- They can be prevented through specific vaccines.
Difference Between Meningitis A and B
Definition
- Meningitis A is caused by the Neisseria meningitis group A bacteria.
- Meningitis B is caused by the Neisseria meningitis group B bacteria.
Commonness
- Meningitis A is less common.
- Meningitis B is more common.
Affected Population
- Meningitis A is mainly responsible for the vast majority of cases in developed countries.
- Meningitis B is mainly responsible for cases in younger children and adolescents.
Examples of Causative Agents
- Strain NMA510612 is an example of Neisseria meningitis serogroup A causing bacterial meningitis type A.
- Strain H44/76 is an example of Neisseria meningitis serogroup B causing bacterial meningitis type B.
Prevention
- Meningitis A can be prevented by administering the MenACWY vaccine, which includes Menveo® and MenQuadfi®.
- Meningitis B can be prevented by administering the MenB vaccine, which includes Bexsero® and Trumenba®.
Side effects of the Vaccine
- The side effects of the MenACWY vaccine include a reaction where the injection was given, such as pain, swelling or itchiness, headache, feeling sick, a rash, feeling irritable, feeling drowsy, loss of appetite, and generally feeling unwell.
- The side effects of the MenB vaccine include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, headache, feeling tired, muscle or joint pain, and fever.
The following table summarizes the difference between meningitis A and B.
Summary – Meningitis A vs B
Several different bacteria can cause meningitis, including meningococcal bacteria, pneumococcal bacteria, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Meningitis A and B are two bacterial meningitis caused by two different serogroups of Neisseria meningitis. Meningitis A is caused by the Neisseria meningitis group A bacteria, while meningitis B is caused by the Neisseria meningitis group B bacteria. Furthermore, meningitis A is a less common condition, whereas meningitis B is a more common condition. This is the summary of the difference between meningitis A and B.
FAQ: Meningitis A and B
1. What are the symptoms of meningitis?
- The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include headaches, high temperature, rashes that do not fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, light sensitivity, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, and seizures.
2. What is meningitis group A?
- Meningitis group A (Neisseria meningitis serogroup A) bacteria are commonly found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. These bacteria normally cause a mild throat and skin, ear, and sinus infections in both adults and children.
3. What does meningitis A do?
- Meningitis is an infection of the fluid and membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis A is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by Meningitis group A bacteria.
4. How do you get meningitis B?
- Meningitis B is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by meningitis group B bacteria (Neisseria meningitis serogroup B). People spread these meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva). Generally, close contact, such as coughing, kissing, or sneezing, causes meningitis B.
5. Who needs meningitis B vaccine?
- Meningococcal B vaccines are recommended for individuals 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. The vaccine can also be given up to age 25 for those who missed it earlier or for individuals whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including those with sickle cell disease.
Reference:
1. “Meningitis: Symptoms, Causes, Transmission, and Treatment.” WebMD.
2. “What Is Meningitis B.” Meningitis B.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Meningococcal meningitis A,C,Y,W-135 Vaccine” By Peter Grotzinger – JN International Medical Corporation (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Meningococcal B vaccine” By Whispyhistory – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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