Final answer:
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are transmitted via respiratory secretions and can lead to severe inflammation of the meninges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The particular pathogens that can lead to meningitis are not confined to this disease; rather, they may cause a wider range of infections.Bacterial meningitis is often more severe than viral meningitis and can be caused by several species of bacteria including Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are spread through respiratory secretions and can enter the bloodstream, leading to infection and inflammation in various parts of the body, including the meninges.
Specifically, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are known to cause bacterial meningitis through airborne and direct contact and can result in symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, headache, confusion, and, in severe cases, can lead to irreversible nerve damage or even death without proper treatment.Concerning the options provided in the question, Neisseria meningitidis (B) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (A) are both known to cause inflammation of the meninges - meningitis - through airborne and direct contact. The other options, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (C) and Varicella-zoster virus (D), while they may cause other health issues, are not typically associated with airborne or direct contact that leads to meningitis.