Meningitis B is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis Group B.
There are several different types of this bacteria, but group B is responsible for 80% of cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Although it can affect any age group, the incidence of Meningitis B is highest in children under 5 years of age, especially the under 1 year. A second peak in incidence occurs in teenagers between 15 to 19 years of age.
