Acute bacterial meningitis.

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis remains a common and devastating illness. In spite of recent advances in antimicrobial therapy, the overall morbidity and mortality remains high. To be effective, treatment of meningitis should be based on the history and physical examination, careful examination of the cerebrospinal fluid, and good clinical judgement regarding the most likely pathogen. Although antimicrobial chemotherapy is of major importance some adjuncts to therapy are benefical.