Final answer:
The most common bacterial pathogens for meningitis and their treatment differ based on age group. Haemophilus influenzae is common in infants, Neisseria meningitidis in children and young adults, Streptococcus pneumoniae in children and adults, and Streptococcus agalactiae in newborns. Treatment involves administering antibiotics based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common bacterial pathogens for meningitis are Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci). The specific bacteria that cause meningitis can vary depending on the age group. For infants (<1 month old), Group B streptococcus is the most common. For children aged 1-2 years, Haemophilus influenzae is often the culprit. In children and adults aged 2-50 years, Neisseria meningitidis is the most common. And for individuals over 50 years old, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary pathogen.
Treatment for bacterial meningitis involves the use of antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics will depend on the specific bacteria causing the infection. For example, Neisseria meningitidis infections are typically treated with intravenous penicillin or a third-generation cephalosporin. Streptococcus pneumoniae infections may require treatment with a combination of antibiotics, such as vancomycin and ceftriaxone or cefotaxime.