Light micrograph of Neisseria meningitidis recovered from the urethra of an asymptomatic male (1125x). These bacteria are typically seen in pairs. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes enclosing the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include intense headache, fever, loss of appetite, intolerance of light and sound, muscle rigidity and, in severe cases, convulsions, vomiting and delirium leading to death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics or sulphonamides.