[Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of acute bacterial meningitis]

Acute bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease of the central nervous system. Its incidence decreases but lethality and sequelae remain high. The early initiation of appropriate treatment is a factor strongly determining the patient´s prognosis. The authors submit the Czech national guideline for diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis which has to provide clear and simple recommendations for clinicans involved in the care of meningitis in adults and children. The national guideline was based on the European guideline published in 2016 and adapted for the situation in the Czech Republic. It was acknowledged (approved? ratified?) by the Society for Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Society for Medical Microbiology of the Czech Medical Association.