Germ Theory - A theory in medicine stating that microorganisms are the causative agents of infectious, contagious diseases.⏎
Meningeal Infection - An infection of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges.⏎
Institute of Medicine - An independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice on health and medicine to decision makers and the public.⏎
Mortality - The number of deaths in a given time or place.⏎
Microbe - Sometimes referred to as a microorganism, a microbe is an organism that is microscopic and thus invisible to the naked eye.⏎