Learning Objectives

• Describe the mechanisms used by pathogens to invade the CNS
• Be aware of the origins/ source of pathogens which commonly cause meningitis and encephalitis
• Differentiate between bacterial and viral infection based on blood biochemistries
• Be aware of the difficulties and limitations of antimicrobial use for CNS infections
• Describe the different clinical symptoms of meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess

CNS Infections

• what are the 3 categories of CNS infections?
• what causes CNS infections?
• why may predispose children to CNS infections?
• do pathogens usually enter via the BBB or blood-CSF barrier?
• what are 3 modes of bacterial entry into the CNS?
• what virulence factors aid bacterial entry into the CNS?
• what are 4 modes of viral entry into the CNS?
• what 2 neurotoxins can affect the CNS?

Meningitis

• what is meningitis?
• how does meningitis present (triad)?
• what are the 2 broad types of meningitis?