What is a primary characteristic of Meningitis?

Meningitis is primarily characterized by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. This inflammation typically involves the pia mater, arachnoid, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled subarachnoid space. The condition can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to symptoms such as headache, fever, and neck stiffness.

The other options describe different pathophysiological conditions. For instance, an infection of the brain parenchyma refers to encephalitis, which is distinct from meningitis as it involves the actual brain tissue itself rather than the meninges. Local necrotizing hemorrhage in the spinal cord pertains to specific spinal cord injuries or conditions, not related to meningitis, which does not primarily affect the spinal cord directly. Lastly, progressive degeneration of nerve cell bodies highlights a condition such as neurodegenerative diseases, which is unrelated to the inflammation of the meninges seen in meningitis.