Publication date: Jul 17, 2026
This manuscript provides an overview of common and uncommon central nervous system (CNS) infections seen in intensive care settings. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated longitudinal changes in community-acquired bacterial meningitis. Large cohorts have better informed current understanding of both brain abscess and ventriculitis. International trials have led to advancement in the treatment of cryptococcal and tuberculosis meningitis, which is continuing to be studied and optimized for specific patient sub-populations. Recent retrospective data has further defined the spectrum of viral encephalitis and the nuances of diagnostic evaluation. Neuro-infectious disease in critically ill patients presents challenges of both timely accurate diagnosis and availability of effective treatments. Vaccination-associated shifts in epidemiology coupled with enhanced identification of infectious organisms and recent international clinical trials will continue to evolve existing treatment algorithms. CNS infections in immunocompromised patient populations remain to be an active area of study.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| critical care | |
| epidemiology | |
| meningoencephalitis |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | infectious disease |
| pathway | REACTOME | Infectious disease |
| disease | MESH | infections |
| disease | MESH | bacterial meningitis |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Tropicamide |
| disease | MESH | brain abscess |
| disease | MESH | tuberculosis meningitis |
| disease | MESH | viral encephalitis |
| disease | MESH | critically ill |
| disease | MESH | CNS infections |
| disease | MESH | meningoencephalitis |