Final answer:
Viral meningitis, generally less severe than bacterial meningitis, is most often caused by enteroviruses and sometimes by infections like herpes or influenza. Unlike viral meningitis, which usually resolves on its own, bacterial meningitis caused by species like Neisseria meningitidis may result in severe outcomes without proper treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. It is often caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, but it can also be a secondary sequela of infections such as herpes, influenza, measles, and mumps. This type of meningitis is more common and usually less severe compared to its bacterial counterpart. While most cases of viral meningitis tend to resolve spontaneously, severe instances can still occur.
Contrastingly, bacterial meningitis is caused by certain pathogenic bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. These pathogens can lead to high mortality rates without appropriate treatment, unlike most viral meningitis infections, which are typically milder and often resolve without intensive medical intervention.