Bacterial Infections of the Central Nervous System: Handbook of Clinical Neurology (Series Editors: Aminoff, Boller and Swaab)

This volume provides a comprehensive accounting of the profound advancements made in the understanding, and treatment of, bacterial infections of the central nervous system. As these types of infections continue to cause morbidity and mortality, a greater understanding of their diagnosis and management is necessary to increase the likelihood of good neurological outcome in affected patients.

This handbook highlights advancements in a variety of areas, including new neuroimaging information on techniques like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, clinicians will find invaluable data on Nucleic acid amplification tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), that have aided in the identification of infectious agents not routinely isolated using conventional culture techniques.   Other topics covered include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial central nervous system infections, the principles of antimicrobial therapy, and chapters on specific disease entities, including meningitis and HIV.

* Valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of bacterial CNS infections * A multidisciplinary reach that provides critical information for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and specialists in infectious disease * Considerable information and emphasis on new diagnostic techniques and laboratory testing