Pathology and Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are important because of the many pathogens, the emerging and reemerging of new infections, and the heavy burden they impose on health care system. The most formidable challenge is the increasing number of people at risk of developing CNS infections due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the recipients of hemopoietic and solid organ transplantation and other causes of immunosuppression. There have been significant developments in the last few decades in understanding the biology of disease process by the application of new technologies. Advancements in brain imaging and newer diagnostic modalities have achieved early diagnosis helping patient management with new therapies. The pathogenetic factors contributing to neurovirulence of the pathogens have been elucidated by the use of molecular biological techniques.