Epidemiology of central nervous system infection

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2012 Nov;22(4):543-56. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2012.05.003. Epub 2012 Aug 11.

Abstract

In cases of central nervous system infection, it is crucial for the neuroradiologist to provide an accurate differential diagnosis of the possible pathogens involved so that treating physicians can be aided in the choice of empiric therapy. This approach requires the radiologist to be aware of local epidemiology and have knowledge of infectious agents that are endemic to their area of practice. This article reviews and discusses the changing epidemiology of pathogens most often observed in meningitis, brain abscess, epidural abscess, postoperative infections, and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / transmission
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Bacterial Infections / transmission
  • Brain Abscess / diagnosis
  • Brain Abscess / epidemiology
  • Brain Abscess / prevention & control
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / epidemiology*
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / prevention & control
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / transmission
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Developing Countries
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / diagnosis
  • Meningitis / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis / prevention & control
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / prevention & control
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / transmission
  • Meningitis, Fungal / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Fungal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Fungal / prevention & control
  • Meningitis, Fungal / transmission
  • Meningitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Viral / prevention & control
  • Meningitis, Viral / transmission
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control
  • Travel
  • Vaccination