[Schematic principles in the therapy of bacterial inflammation of the brain and meninges]

Bacterial diseases of the central nervous system develop per continuitatem of haematogenically. Each of these two groups can further be subdivided. As an initial therapy when an unknown agent is present chloramphenicol in high doses (200 mg/kg KM) stood the test for adults and older children and ampicillin (200 to 400 mg/kg KM), respectively, for babies and infants. In case of need, this therapy is correlated according to the findings of the culture and the antibiogramme. In secondary meningitides the surgical cure of the focus should be performed only after improvement of the general condition. Recidivating meningitides undergo an operation when liquor fistulae are proved. In an unclarified cause a long-term therapy with oxacillin or lincomycin over 3-6 months is possible. In the meningitis of newborn the combination of ampicillin, carbenicillin or colistin with gentamycin is necessary, intravenously and intrathecally. Hydrocortisone and streptokinase shall prevent the transfer of the liquor spaces. Of great importance is the combat against the cerebral oedema. In mycetogenous meningitis amphotericin B, eventually in combination with 5-fluorocytosine, can be used. There are still no effective remedies against the amoebic meningo-encephalitis.