Current concepts in the treatment of bacterial meningitis beyond the neonatal period.
The epidemiology and treatment approach to bacterial meningitis has changed dramatically since the advent of antimicrobial therapy. New vaccines against meningeal pathogens have been implemented into national immunization programs successfully around the world. Antibiotic resistance has had a considerable impact on the efficacy of several therapeutic agents. In this review, the authors will discuss the principles of antibiotic chemotherapy, focusing on new agents for the treatment of penicillin-resistant pneumococci and adjunctive treatments to reduce the inflammatory response to bacterial infection of the meninges.
Clarke
Edward T
ET
University of Bristol, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
Heyderman
Robert S
RS
D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines