Final answer:
Enteroviruses, specifically non-polio enteroviruses, are responsible for almost 90% of viral meningitis cases. These types of viral meningitis usually resolve spontaneously and are less severe compared to bacterial meningitis caused by pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Step-by-step explanation:
The viruses that cause almost 90% of cases of viral meningitis are non-polio enteroviruses. Viral meningitis, generally less severe than its bacterial counterpart, can result from secondary effects of various pathogenic viruses or be precipitated by infections with arboviruses. The enteroviruses most commonly associated with viral meningitis include coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and other enteroviruses such as enterovirus 71 and enterovirus D68.
While many viruses can lead to meningitis as a sequela of their primary infection, and these can include herpes, influenza, measles, and mumps, the majority of viral meningitis cases are due to the non-polio enteroviruses. These types of meningitis typically resolve on their own without the need for extensive treatment. In contrast, bacterial meningitis, caused by pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, is much more serious, often requiring emergent medical intervention and antibiotics.