NOSOCOMIAL BACTERIAL MENINGITIS, INCLUDING CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM SHUNT INFECTIONS

Abstract

Nosocomial bacterial meningitis and CSF shunt infections result in considerable morbidity and mortality, necessitating an organized and thoughtful approach to prevention, diagnosis, and management. Prophylactic antibiotics appear to reduce the rate of postcraniotomy meningitis often caused by S. aureus. On the other hand, prophylactic antibiotics do not appear to reduce the risk of developing a CSF shunt infection. CSF shunt infections usually require shunt removal and antimicrobial chemotherapy to effect a successful outcome.