title: Epidemiology of central nervous system infection.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5378, USA. jriddell@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Riddell
authors.forename: Emily K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Shuman
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020807:Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016921:Meningitis, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014195:Travel; D014611:Vaccination