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Meningitis and encephalitis in adolescents

W Garrett Hunt1

  • 1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. wgarrett.hunt@nationwidechildrens.org

Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews
|November 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis incidence has decreased, yet significant risks from meningitis and encephalitis persist. Advances in diagnostics and updated treatments improve patient outcomes and prevention strategies for adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • While bacterial meningitis incidence has declined, substantial disease burden from bacterial and nonbacterial meningitis with encephalitis remains.
  • Diagnostic capabilities have improved with new surrogate markers like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), inflammatory markers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Evolving clinical guidelines impact antibiotic selection and the use of adjunctive steroid therapy in specific patient groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and treatment of meningitis and encephalitis in adolescents.
  • To summarize current approaches to antibiotic and adjunctive therapies for meningitis and encephalitis.
  • To discuss prognosis and prevention strategies for these neurological infections in the adolescent population.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current literature and guidelines on meningitis and encephalitis.
  • It focuses on diagnostic evaluation, epidemiological trends, and pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • The review examines updated treatment protocols, including antibiotic and steroid therapies, and prevention measures.

Main Results:

  • Despite decreased incidence, meningitis and encephalitis continue to pose significant health risks.
  • Advanced diagnostic tools enhance the identification and management of these conditions.
  • Modified antibiotic regimens and expanded use of adjunctive steroids represent key therapeutic updates.

Conclusions:

  • Adolescents with meningitis and encephalitis benefit from updated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
  • Continued research and adherence to evolving guidelines are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
  • Effective prevention measures remain essential in reducing the overall disease burden.

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