Bacterial, Fungal, and Parasitic Diseases of the Nervous System

Prior to the modern antimicrobial era, nonviral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) were almost universally fatal. The diagnosis and treatment of CNS infections has improved significantly with advancements made in spinal fluid diagnostic tests, neuroimaging, antimicrobial therapy, and neurosurgical techniques. Despite these advancements, diagnosing CNS infections can be difficult, and a delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important to quickly recognize when CNS infections are high on the differential diagnosis. The goal of this chapter is to acquaint the reader with the causes and common presentations of nonviral CNS infections (bacteria, fungi, and parasites), as well as offering options for diagnosing and treating these life-threatening infections.