Which of the following organisms is NOT commonly associated with causing meningitis?

To determine which organism is not commonly associated with causing meningitis, it's essential to understand the key pathogens responsible for this serious condition. Pneumococcus, meningococcus, and H. influenzae are well-documented bacteria that can lead to bacterial meningitis.

Pneumococcus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adults and children. Meningococcus, or Neisseria meningitidis, is especially known for causing outbreaks of meningitis, particularly in crowded settings. H. influenzae type b was once a predominant cause of bacterial meningitis in children before the introduction of vaccines.

E. coli, while it can cause infections in newborns and is associated with meningitis in this population, is not one of the primary organisms that are typically discussed regarding general meningitis cases in older children or adults. Therefore, while E. coli can be involved in certain contexts, particularly in neonates, it is less commonly recognized as a typical causative agent of meningitis compared to the other three organisms listed.

Thus, recognizing the specific roles of these organisms helps clarify why E. coli is not regarded as a common cause of meningitis when compared to pneumococcus, meningococcus, and H. influenza