title: Acute bacterial and viral meningitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Most cases of acute meningitis are infectious and result from a potentially wide range of bacterial and viral pathogens. The organized approach to the patient with suspected meningitis enables the prompt administration of antibiotics, possibly corticosteroids, and diagnostic testing with neuroimaging and spinal fluid analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acute meningitis is infectious in most cases and caused by a potentially wide range of bacterial and viral pathogens. Shifts in the epidemiology of bacterial pathogens have been influenced by changes in vaccines and their implementation. Seasonal and environmental changes influence the likely viral and rickettsial pathogens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The organized approach to the patient with suspected meningitis enables the prompt administration of antibiotics, possibly corticosteroids, and diagnostic testing with neuroimaging and spinal fluid analysis. Pertinent testing and treatment can vary with the clinical presentation, season, and possible exposures. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute meningitis.
authors.affiliation: Blue Sky Neurosciences, Englewood, CO 80113, USA. russellbartt@gmail.com
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bartt
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000382:microbiology; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents