Incidence Of Bacterial Meningitis Research Articles

Trend of bacterial meningitis in Bahrain from 1990 to 2013 and effect of introduction of new vaccines.

Meningitis is among the 10 commonest infectious causes of death worldwide. This retrospective analysis of reported cases of meningitis in Bahrain aimed to assess the trend in the incidence of bacterial meningitis from 1990 to 2013, before and after the introduction of new vaccines. Of 1455 reported cases of meningitis during the study period 73.1% were viral and 26.9% were bacterial etiology (tuberculous meningitis 8.3%; Streptococcus pneumoniae 4.9%, Haemophilus influenzae 3.6% and Neisseria meningitidis 1.7%). There was a peak of meningitis cases in 1995-1996. The incidence of meningitis due to H. influenzae and N. meningitidis showed a marked reduction after the introduction of the corresponding vaccines in 1998 and 2001 respectively, and S. pneumoniae became the predominant organism after Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The changing trend in the etiology of bacterial meningitis points to the need to study vaccination programme modifications, such as pneumococcal vaccine for the adult population, especially high-risk groups.

Bacterial meningitis in patients with HIV: A population-based prospective study

We studied occurrence, disease course, and prognosis of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in HIV-infected adults in the Netherlands. We performed a nationwide, prospective cohort study. Patients over 16 years old with bacterial meningitis were included. Data on patient history, symptoms and signs on admission, laboratory findings, radiologic examination, treatment, and outcome were collected prospectively. For HIV-positive patients additional information was collected retrospectively. From March 2006 to December 2013, 1354 episodes of community-acquired meningitis were included in the cohort. Thirteen patients were HIV-infected (1.0%). The annual incidence of bacterial meningitis was 8.3-fold higher (95%CI 4.6-15.1, P < 0.001) among HIV-infected patients as compared to the general population (10.79 [95%CI 5.97-19.48] vs 1.29 [95%CI 1.22-1.37] per 100.000 patients per year). Predisposing factors (other than HIV), clinical symptoms and signs, ancillary investigations, causative organisms and outcome were comparable between HIV-infected and patients without HIV infection. HIV-infected patients in the Netherlands have a 8.3-fold higher risk for bacterial meningitis as compared to the general population despite cART therapy. Clinical presentation and outcome of patients with acute bacterial meningitis with and without HIV are similar.

Actual facts about bacterial meningitis

Background Bacterial meningitis still represents an important chapter in the present infectious pathology, despite the increasing progress in the prophylaxis and prevention measures. Apart from tuberculous etiology, and of course the well-known classical etiologies – meningococcal, pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcal and Gram-negative bacteria – new entities that need to be evaluated seem to appear. Objectives: 1. To determine the incidence of bacterial meningitis in the last years, in comparison with the international situation encountered in this pathology. 2. To detect new predisposing and risk factors for meningitis. 3. The important role of procalcitonin and other markers for the quick diagnosis of meningitis. 4. The utilization in the current medical practice of modern molecular diagnostic tests, especially for the severe and atypical cases.

A case of bacterial meningitis complicated by venous sinus thrombosis

As a result of preventive measures, the annual incidence of bacterial meningitis has decreased in the past two decades [1]. Predisposing risk factors include parameningeal infection; previous head trauma; sinus, ear, or neurosurgical procedure; malignancy, alcoholism and diabetes mellitus [2]. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with bacterial meningitis remain high with no significant change in outcome despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and improvements in intensive care [2, 3]. Although vascular complications are common in bacterial meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis account for simply a small portion. Unlike the complications of increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, cranial nerve palsies, and vascular complications are often irreversible and may be associated with unfavorable outcomes [3, 4]. Mortality is high, whereas those who survive are often left with severe neurologic sequelae [4]. Herein we report a case of bacterial meningitis complicated by venous sinus thrombosis.

Incidence, etiology, and outcome of bacterial meningitis in infants aged

Bacterial meningitis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young infants. Understanding the epidemiology and burden of disease is important. Prospective, enhanced, national population-based active surveillance was undertaken to determine the incidence, etiology, and outcome of bacterial meningitis in infants aged <90 days in the United Kingdom and Ireland. During July 2010-July 2011, 364 cases were identified (annual incidence, 0.38/1000 live births; 95% confidence interval [CI], .35-.42). In England and Wales, the incidence of confirmed neonatal bacterial meningitis was 0.21 (n = 167; 95% CI, .18-.25). A total of 302 bacteria were isolated in 298 (82%) of the cases. The pathogens responsible varied by route of admission, gestation at birth, and age at infection. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (150/302 [50%]; incidence, 0.16/1000 live births; 95% CI, .13-.18) and Escherichia coli (41/302 [14%]; incidence, 0.04/1000; 95% CI, .03-.06) were responsible for approximately two-thirds of identified bacteria. Pneumococcal (28/302 [9%]) and meningococcal (23/302 [8%]) meningitis were rare in the first month, whereas Listeria meningitis was seen only in the first month of life (11/302 [4%]). In hospitalized preterm infants, the etiology of both early- and late-onset meningitis was more varied. Overall case fatality was 8% (25/329) and was higher for pneumococcal meningitis (5/26 [19%]) than GBS meningitis (7/135 [5%]; P = .04) and for preterm (15/90 [17%]) compared with term (10/235 [4%]; P = .0002) infants. The incidence of bacterial meningitis in young infants remains unchanged since the 1980s and is associated with significant case fatality. Prevention strategies and guidelines to improve the early management of cases should be prioritized.

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manifestations were fever (96%), irritability/ lethargy (88%), vomiting (80%), convulsion (75%), unconsciousness (53%) and headache (31%). Signs of meningeal irritation were neck rigidity (57%); kerning’s sign (51%), brudzinki’s sign (45%) and photophobia (28%). Anterior fontanel Bulging were found in (30%) cases. Sensitivity of gram stain of the CSF was 88%. Culture was found positive in 35%. Out of 70 cases of culture positive 52 cases were gram negative and 18 cases were gram positive. Bacteria isolated from CSF were common below 3 years age group and there was very less difference in sex distribution. The bacteria isolated from the CSF culture were pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Streptococci pneumonia, Staph. Aureus, E.coli, Gm –ve bacilli, Citrobacter, Proteus, Enterobacter. Overall sensitivity pattern were for meropenem (90%), vancomycin (87.5%), ceftriaxone (85.7%), Amikacin (85.7%), Ceftazidime (82.2%), Piperacillin-Tazobactam (81.4%), Amoxyclav (77.1%), Cefotaxime (70%), Gentamicin (70%), and Netilmicin (70%). Blood and urine culture were positive 5% and 2% respectively. Case fatality rate was 11.5%. Acute bacterial meningitis in children has a considerable mortality, morbidity and serious long term sequelae therefore neurodevelopmental follow up and therapy should begin early. The study concluded that up to eighty percent of all cases of bacterial meningitis admitted to Gajra Raja Medical College were children less than six years old. There is change in the trends of organism causing meningitis. The most common microorganisms responsible were pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter. There is increasing resistance to the commonly used antibiotics like cefotaxime, gentamicin and amoxyclav. Therefore prompt treatment is essential whenever presumed cases of meningitis are encountered so that the incidence of bacterial meningitis and its complications can be reduced.

Guidelines for the management of suspected and confirmed bacterial meningitis in Canadian children older than one month of age

The incidence of bacterial meningitis in infants and children has decreased since the routine use of conjugated vaccines targeting Haemophilus influenzae type b, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. However, this infection continues to be associated with considerable mortality and morbidity if not treated effectively with empirical antimicrobial therapy. Diagnosis still rests on clinical signs and symptoms, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This position statement outlines the rationale for current recommended empirical therapy using a third-generation cephalosporin and vancomycin for suspected bacterial meningitis. It also provides new recommendations for the use of adjuvant corticosteroids in this setting. Once antibiotic susceptibilities of the pathogen are known, antimicrobials should be reviewed and modified accordingly. Recommendations for treatment duration as well as audiology testing are included. The present statement replaces a previous Canadian Paediatric Society position statement on bacterial meningitis published in 2007 and revised in 2008.

Bacterial meningitis in adults in Iceland, 1995–2010

Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease with a mortality rate of 15-20% in adults. We conducted a population-based study of bacterial meningitis in adults (≥ 16 y) in Iceland, 1995-2010. Cases were identified based on positive bacterial cultures from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or the ICD codes for bacterial meningitis. Medical charts were reviewed and outcomes were assessed using the national population registry. The study period was divided into 2 equal parts, 1995-2002 and 2003-2010, before and after implementation of routine childhood vaccination against serogroup C meningococci, respectively. In total, 111 episodes occurred in 110 individuals. The most common causative organisms were Neisseria meningitidis (41%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (30%). Only 30% of the patients presented with the classical symptom triad of fever, neck stiffness, and an altered mental status. The overall incidence was 3.2/100,000 inhabitants/y, and dropped significantly between the first and second halves of the study (p = 0.03). This drop was due to a reduced incidence of N. meningitidis meningitis: 34 and 12 cases in the first and second periods, respectively (p = 0.006). The incidence of meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae remained unchanged. The case fatality rates were 18% and 13% in the first and second halves of the study, respectively (difference not significant). The incidence of bacterial meningitis has decreased since the implementation of meningococcal C vaccination in 2002. However, the case fatality rate has remained unchanged.

Bacterial meningitis in Malawian adults, adolescents, and children during the era of antiretroviral scale-up and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination, 2000-2012.

We documented bacterial meningitis trends among adults and children presenting to a large teaching hospital in Malawi during introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination and the rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We analyzed data from 51 000 consecutive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from adults, adolescents, and children with suspected meningitis admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, between 2000 and 2012. There was a significant decline in the total number of CSF isolates over 12 years (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.93; 95% CI, .92-.94; P < .001). This decline was entirely in children aged <5 years (IRR, 0.87; 95% CI, .85-.88; P < .001) and coincided with the introduction of Hib vaccination. The number of adult isolates has remained unchanged (IRR, 0.99; 95% CI, .97-1.0; P = .135) despite rapid scale-up of ART provision. In children aged <5 years, Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontyphoidal salmonellae (NTS), and Hib were the most frequently isolated pathogens, and have declined over this time period. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated pathogen in older children and adults. Estimated incidence of bacterial meningitis in 2012 was 20 per 100,000 cases in children aged <14 years, 6 per 100,000 adolescents, and 10 per 100,000 adults. Rates of bacterial meningitis have declined in children, but not adults, coinciding with the introduction of Hib vaccination. The highly successful rollout of ART has not yet resulted in a reduction in the incidence in adults where the burden remains high. Long-term surveillance of bacterial meningitis outside of the epidemic "meningitis belt" in Africa is essential.

Population-based Incidence of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae and Pneumococcal Diseases Before the Introduction of Vaccines in Japan

Before the introduction of vaccines, the incidence of bacterial meningitis among children aged 28 days to 5 years was 8.48, Haemophilus influenzae type-b meningitis was 5.65 and Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis was 1.85 per 100,000 person-years in Hokkaido, Japan. The incidence of bacteremia caused by S. pneumoniae was 60.15 and H. influenzae was 18.80.

Bacterial Meningitis in Brazil: Baseline Epidemiologic Assessment of the Decade Prior to the Introduction of Pneumococcal and Meningococcal Vaccines.

BackgroundBacterial meningitis is associated with significant burden in Brazil. In 2010, both 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and meningococcal capsular group C conjugate vaccine were introduced into the routine vaccination schedule. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine was previously introduced in 1999. This study presents trends in demographics, microbiological characteristics and seasonality patterns of bacterial meningitis cases in Brazil from 2000 to 2010.Methods and FindingsAll meningitis cases confirmed by clinical and/or laboratory criteria notified to the national information system for notifiable diseases between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed. Proportions of bacterial meningitis cases by demographic characteristics, criteria used for confirmation and etiology were calculated. We estimated disease rates per 100,000 population and trends for the study period, with emphasis on H. influenzae, N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae cases. In the decade, 341,805 cases of meningitis were notified in Brazil. Of the 251,853 cases with defined etiology, 110,264 (43.8%) were due to bacterial meningitis (excluding tuberculosis). Of these, 34,997 (31.7%) were due to meningococcal disease. The incidence of bacterial meningitis significantly decreased from 3.1/100,000 population in 2000–2002 to 2.14/100,000 in 2009–2010 (p<0.01). Among cases of meningococcal disease, the proportion of those associated with group C increased from 41% in 2007 to 61.7% in 2010, while the proportion of group B disease progressively declined. Throughout the study period, an increased number of cases occurred during winter.ConclusionsDespite the reduction in bacterial meningitis incidence during the last decade, it remains a significant healthcare issue in Brazil. Meningococcal disease is responsible for the majority of the cases with group C the most common capsular type. Our study demonstrates the appropriateness of introduction of meningococcal vaccination in Brazil. Furthermore, this study provides a baseline for future evaluation of the impact of the vaccines introduction in Brazil and changes in disease epidemiology.

Update on bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that continues to inflict a heavy toll. We reviewed recent advances in vaccination, randomized studies on treatment, and genetic association studies in bacterial meningitis. The incidence of bacterial meningitis has decreased after implementation of vaccines, and further implementation of existing conjugate vaccines particularly in low-income countries is expected to reduce the global disease burden. Several randomized studies have been performed recently in this field. Clinical studies showed that short duration (5 days) of antibiotic treatment is as effective as longer duration treatment in low-income countries, and that dexamethasone decreases death and neurological sequelae in high-income countries. Ongoing trials will further define the role of paracetamol, glycerol and hypothermia in bacterial meningitis. Genetic association studies identified pathophysiological mechanisms that could be counteracted in experimental meningitis, providing promising leads for future treatments. Conjugate vaccines have reduced the burden of bacterial meningitis in high-income countries, but implementation of available vaccines in low-income countries is necessary to reduce disease burden worldwide. Adjunctive dexamethasone therapy has beneficial effects in patients with bacterial meningitis but only in high-income countries. Genetic association studies may reveal targets for new treatment strategies.

Utilité de la ponction lombaire lors de la première convulsion fébrile chez l’enfant de moins de 18 mois. Étude rétrospective de 157 cas

Because meningitis symptoms are not very specific under the age of 18 months, lumbar puncture (LP) was widely recommended in children presenting a febrile seizure (FS). Recent retrospective studies have challenged this age criterion. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for the first episode of simple FS: LP is indicated if signs suggestive of meningitis are present and remains "an option" in case of prior antibiotic treatment or between the age of 6 and 12 months if the child is not properly vaccinated against Haemophilus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Because the meningitis epidemiology and the vaccination coverage are different, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether these new guidelines were applicable in France. Between 2009 and 2010, we conducted a retrospective single-center study including 157 children aged less than 18 months admitted to the pediatric emergency department (Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France) for their first febrile seizure. The data collected were: type of seizure, knowledge of prior antibiotic treatment, neurological status, signs of central nervous system infection, and biological results (LP, blood cultures). Lumbar puncture was performed in 40% of cases (n=63). The diagnosis of meningitis/encephalitis was selected in eight cases: three cases of viral meningitis, three bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae), and two non-herpetic viral encephalitis. The incidence of bacterial meningitis in our study was 1.9%. The risk of serious infection, bacterial meningitis or encephalitis, was increased when there was a complex FS (14% versus 0% with a simple FS, P=0.06). The presence of other suggestive clinical symptoms was strongly associated with a risk of bacterial meningitis/encephalitis (36% in case of clinical orientation versus 0% in the absence of such signs, P<0.001). All severe clinical presentations were associated with complex FS (prolonged, focal, and/or repeated seizures) and the presence of other suggestive clinical signs (impaired consciousness lasting longer than 1h after the seizure, septic aspect, behavior disorders, hypotonia, bulging fontanel, neck stiffness, petechial purpura). The risk of bacterial meningitis or encephalitis associated with a simple FS and followed by a strictly normal clinical examination is extremely low. After a simple febrile seizure without any other suggestive signs of meningitis, systematic lumbar puncture is not necessary even in children younger than 18 months. LP remains absolutely indicated if clinical symptoms concentrate on central nervous system infection and should be discussed in case of complex seizures, prior antibiotic treatment, or incomplete vaccination.

Diagnostic value of latex agglutination test in diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis

Objectives:To know the incidence of bacterial meningitis in children below five years of age. To compare conventional culture and antigen detection methods (Latex agglutination test).Materials and Methods:100 CSF samples of clinically suspected meningitis cases in children below 5 years of age were included. The samples were subjected to cell count, Gram stain, culture and LAT. The organisms isolated in the study were characterized according to standard procedures.Results:Of the 100 cases studied, 31 cases were diagnosed as ABM by Gram stain, culture and latex agglutination test as per WHO criteria. The hospital frequency of ABM was 1.7%. 15 (48.38) cases were culture positive. Gram stain was positive in 22(70.96) cases and LAT in 17(54.83) cases. Haemophilus influenzae was the most common causative agent of acute bacterial meningitis followed by S.pneumoniae. Case fatality rate was 45.16%. The sensitivity and specificity of LAT was 66.66% and 87.91% respectively.Conclusion:Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and early diagnosis and treatment is life saving and reduces chronic morbidity. LAT was more sensitive compared to conventional Gram stain and Culture technique in identifying the fastidious organisms like H.influenzae, S.pneumoniae and Group B Streptococcus. However, the combination of Gram stain, Culture and LAT proved to be more productive than any of the single tests alone.

Incidence of bacterial meningitis in South East Asia region

Background Acute bacterial meningitis (BM) constitutes a significant global public health problem. Worldwide, it has been estimated that 1—2 million cases of BM occur annually. The problem is more significant in resource-poor countries including those in some regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Aim of study was to measure Incidence of BM in Southeast Asia countries based on published data.

1580 Lumbar Puncture(LP) In Infants and Children with Suspected Meningitis-Diagnostic Yield over 15 Years

BackgroundBacterial meningitis is a serious disease that leads to much anxiety among the medical profession and parents.LP has long been a key tool for the diagnosis of meningitis.ObjectivesTo determine the...

Update on the management of simple febrile seizures

We summarize recent clinical reviews and updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical guidelines for the management of children with simple febrile seizures. There has been a dramatic reduction in the incidence of bacterial meningitis and of occult bacteremia since the advent of Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae immunization. This has made routine laboratory evaluation for these bacterial infections unnecessary in a fully immunized, well appearing child who presents with a simple febrile seizure. At the same time there is increasing evidence that the neurotropic human herpes viruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6, HHV-7) comprise a significant proportion of viral infections associated with febrile seizures, and may be the primary cause of the seizure in many instances. Recent evidence-based guidelines emphasize the lack of a need for routine laboratory and neurodiagnostic evaluation, and for prophylactic antipyretics and anticonvulsants, in the majority of children with simple febrile seizures. If a child who is fully immunized according to the recommended schedule presents with a simple febrile seizure, minimal intervention should be the norm. Routine blood tests and routine lumbar punctures are usually unnecessary, and the risks of neurodiagnostic procedures (imaging or EEG), prophylactic antipyretics and anticonvulsants far outweigh their potential benefits.

U.S. Incidence of Bacterial Meningitis Dropped by 30% From 1998 to 2007

U.S. Incidence of Bacterial Meningitis Dropped by 30% From 1998 to 2007

Acute Bacterial Meningitis Cases Diagnosed by Culture and PCR in a Children’s Hospital Throughout a 9-Year Period (2000–2008) in Athens, Greece

Acute bacterial meningitis is one of the most severe infectious diseases, affecting mainly infants and, secondarily, older children and adolescents. Diagnosis in the early stages is often difficult and despite treatment with appropriate antibiotic therapy, the case fatality rate remains high. In the present study, the incidence of bacterial meningitis was registered in a general pediatric hospital in Athens, Greece, during a 9-year period (2000-2008), and the use of molecular methods in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis versus the conventional cultural methods was evaluated. The impact of vaccination against meningitis-causing bacteria on the incidence of bacterial meningitis was also assessed. From a total of 1833 children hospitalized with suspected clinical symptoms and signs of meningitis, all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were analyzed by white blood cell (WBC) count, measurement of glucose, protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as by conventional bacteriologic culture methods. If samples showed altered CSF markers that were consistent with meningitis in general, they were further investigated by PCR for bacterial pathogens. Of the 1833 patients, 289 (15.76%) were found to be positive for meningitis after CSF examination, based on white blood cell count and differentiation, glucose, protein, and CRP. Fifty-six of the 289 (19.37%) had confirmed bacterial meningitis, as diagnosed by either culture and/or PCR. Of these 56 cases, 44 (78.6%) were detected only by PCR, and 12 cases (21.4%) were confirmed by PCR and culture. The predominant microorganism was Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (n = 40; 71.4%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae not typed [NT] (n = 7; 12.5%), Streptococcus spp. (n =4; 7.1%), Haemophilus influenzae NT (n = 2; 3.6%), and S. pneumoniae serotype 3, Streptococcus group B, and S. pneumoniae serotype 18C (each n = 1; 1.8%). In Greece, according to data from the National Meningitis Reference Laboratory, vaccination against N. meningitidis serogroup C since 2001 led to a 10-fold decrease in the incidence of meningitis cases, vaccination against S. pneumoniae serotypes included in the heptavalent conjugate vaccine since 2005 led to a 3.4-fold incidence decrease, and vaccination against H. influenzae type b since 1992 led almost to an absence of cases. In the population of the present study, none of the cases were caused by the above-mentioned vaccine pathogens, except for one S. pneumoniae serotype 18C case with no history of past vaccination. The introduction of vaccination against meningitis-causing bacteria has drastically decreased the emergence of the infection. The improved molecular amplification assays proved to be superior to conventional bacteriologic methods and should be introduced into routine diagnosis, as well as the epidemiologic surveillance of bacterial meningitis.

CSF interleukin 6 – a useful biomarker of meningitis in adults?/Liquor Interleukin 6 – ein sinnvoller Biomarker für die Meningitis beim Erwachsenen

Abstract Background: Bacterial meningitis in adults is a rapid progressive and life threatening condition. Monitoring of cytokines such as interleukin (IL) 6 by automated chemiluminescence poses an attractive alternative to monitoring of conventional biomarkers. Methods: In a prospective setting, we studied 523 consecutive neurological patients within a 6 month period. 419 complete datasets could be included the analysis. Results: In control patients (with neurological disease excluded), the 95. percentile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 was 7.0 pg/mL and the ratio of CSF IL-6 /serum IL-6 was &lt;2.67. In our population, acute inflammation of the central nervous system was observed in 5.7% of the patients only. In all patients with bacterial meningitis, very high concentrations of CSF IL-6 were observed. In viral meningitis, the concentration of CSF IL-6 was heterogeneous. In acute meningitis, the performance of CSF IL-6 was similar to the performance of CSF lactate. Very high CSF IL-6 concentrations in otherwise normal CSF were observed in few patients with seizures. Conclusions: In adults, CSF IL-6 cannot differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis. Low concentrations of CSF IL6 do not exclude viral meningitis but might be a helpful biomarker to exclude acute bacterial inflammation of the central nervous system. However, given the very low incidence of bacterial meningitis in our adult neurological population, our study does not indicate a better targeted use of antibiotic therapy when IL-6 is added to the routine CSF analysis panel.