Microbiology
Only after the causative microbe is determined and the appropriate surgical and medical management is initiated can you hope to achieve the optimal clinical outcome leading to a reduction in neurological morbidity and mortality.
Abstract
Infection of the central nervous system can be due to a variety of pathogenic agents that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Several sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are now available that allow for the rapid and accurate identification of the offending organism. The widespread indiscriminate use of some antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of organisms that are resistant to those agents at an alarming rate. The prevention of a neurosurgical site infection is usually possible with the use of prophylactic antibiotics and through careful attention to surgical technique. Controversy surrounds several issues in neurosurgical practice such as preoperative surgical site preparation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the surgical and medical management of postoperative infections. Only after the causative microbe is determined and the appropriate surgical and medical management is initiated can you hope to achieve the optimal clinical outcome leading to a reduction in neurological morbidity and mortality.