title: The patient with suspected meningitis.
abstract: When meningitis presents acutely, therapy should be instituted within 1 hour, based on the patient's age and risk factors. When the presentation is subacute, clinical assessment, with analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, allows the physician to decide among empiric antimicrobial therapy, observation, or further diagnostic studies.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Keroack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins