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Meningitis; viral, bacterial, spinal, fungal, Encephalitis; viral, herpes, Abscess; cerebritis
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By MediAngels Medical Team
INDIA
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| | Introduction
CNS infections are those that directly affect the central nervous system. The top two CNS infections are meningitis and encephalitis. Abscesses are also common CNS infections. Some of these infections have a direct affect on the spinal cord and/or brain while others attack the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain. Overall, all CNS infections are caused by some type of attack/invasion by an organism or virus that encourages the growth of bacteria. This in turn damages the tissue and causes inflammation.
Epidemiology:
Meningitis
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In Western countries it has been found that 3 out of every 100 people contract bacterial meningitis.
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Viral meningitis is more prevalent in the summer months and the most contracted form across the world.
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The Sub-Saharan African countries have had the highest rates of meningitis for many centuries. Thus its nickname “The Meningitis Belt.” (Mostly caused by meningococcal strains.)
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In certain areas of Asia, the statistics show that for every 100,000 people, 1500 are diagnosed with meningitis.
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The infection rate in North American countries is the lowest in the world. This is likely due to the availability of proper medical care as compared with areas holding higher rates.
Encephalitis
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Sporadic cases have been found in patients who are also suffering from other illnesses such as the mumps or measles.
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Cases found in the United States are typically due to arboviruses while those in other countries are connected to the Japanese B encephalitis.
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This disease is most commonly caused by a virus.
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There are particular areas of the world with much higher rates due to organisms that cause malaria, rickettsiae, etc.
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People of advanced age are at higher risk as are very young children and people with compromised immune systems.
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