Meningitis: Other Bacterial

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

About this Reportable Disease

Infectious agent: Any meningitis not caused by the most common bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitides, Haemophilus influenza, Listeria monocytogenes). Refer to the respective A to Z pages for more information on previously listed organisms

Description of illness: Bacterial meningitis is very serious and can be deadly. Death can occur in as little as a few hours. Meningitis symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck. There are often other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), and altered mental status or confusion. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days.

Laboratory Reporting for this Disease

Neisseria meningitidis

TEST NAME Neisseria meningitidis (identification and grouping)
DISEASE/DISORDER meningitis, Meningococcal disease
ALTERNATE NAME(S) N. meningitidis ID
METHODOLOGY Culture
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

For laboratories, isolate submission is REQUIRED upon identification.
ORDERING INFORMATION Lab Web Portal

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • None
Specimen Collection
  • Pure culture on chocolate agar/slant from normally sterile sites and/or clinical specimens such as CSF, whole blood, and serum in sterile screw-cap container.
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Clinical Specimens

- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), whole blood and serum should be refrigerated (2-8°C) after collection and frozen (-15°C or lower) within 96 hours.

  • Isolates

-Store in ambient conditions.
Specimen Transport
  • Ship clinical specimens (CSF, whole blood and serum) refrigerated (2-8°C). If specimen cannot be transported/tested within 96 hours of collection, ship frozen (-15°C or lower) on Dry Ice.
  • Ship isolates at ambient temperature. Do not send isolates refrigerated or frozen.
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Specimens that do not meet all specimen requirements will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville

Laboratory Reporting

Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee, as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.

Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers

Clinical Summary

  • Case scope (TN reportable condition): “Other bacterial meningitis” includes any bacterial meningitis not caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, or Listeria monocytogenes (these have separate disease pages). 
  • Clinical urgency: Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that can be deadly and requires rapid recognition and supportive care. 
  • Typical presentation: Symptoms often include fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status; presentation varies by age and pathogen, and some patients may present with sepsis. 
  • Immediate treatment: Treatment must begin immediately with intravenous antibiotics (and sometimes corticosteroids) when bacterial meningitis is suspected—do not delay for confirmatory testing.
  • Diagnosis: Confirm etiology with CSF evaluation (lumbar puncture when safe) and appropriate microbiology (e.g., CSF/blood cultures and other testing guided by syndrome/risk factors). Determining the bacterial cause is important because management and public health actions can differ.
  • Prevention considerations: Vaccines exist for many bacteria that can cause meningitis, and vaccination status may inform risk assessment and prevention counseling. 
  • Reporting: Coordinate with public health per Tennessee reporting requirements for “Meningitis: Other Bacterial.”

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public

What It Is

Bacterial meningitis is swelling of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection. “Other bacterial meningitis” means bacterial meningitis caused by bacteria other than the most common causes (which are tracked separately).

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can start suddenly and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, sleepiness or confusion, nausea/vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Bacterial meningitis can be severe and life-threatening

How It Spreads

Some bacteria that cause meningitis can spread through close contact and respiratory droplets, while others are acquired in different ways. Knowing the specific cause helps determine how it spreads and what prevention steps are needed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Healthcare providers diagnose meningitis using medical evaluation and testing, often including spinal fluid (CSF) testing and blood tests. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent medical care and is treated with antibiotics and supportive hospital care when needed.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause. Vaccines help prevent some types of bacterial meningitis, and everyday steps like good hygiene and avoiding sharing drinks can reduce the spread of certain infections. 

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM