Improving the outcome of pneumococcal meningitis

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Abstract
Bacterial meningitis continues as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children throughout the world. McIntyre et al report on a six year experience in Australia with 122 cases of pneumococcal meningitis; 89% of cases occurred in children less than 5 years of age.1 Fifteen (13%) children died and 23 (22%) suffered severe neurological outcomes including paresis, hydrocephalus with shunting, visual loss, and marked intellectual impairment. Only 55% recovered without any identified sequelae. How can we improve the outcome of pneumococcal meningitis?