Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis

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Abstract
Few diseases have been affected more by the advent of antimicrobial therapy than bacterial meningitis. From its recognition in 1805 to the early 20th century, bacterial meningitis was fatal. Although the introduction of antibiotics made it curable,14 morbidity and mortality from the disease remain unacceptably high. In a recent report, 61 percent of infants who survived gram-negative bacillary meningitis had developmental disabilities and neurologic sequelae.5 Similarly, in a recent review of 493 episodes of bacterial meningitis in adults, the overall case fatality rate was 25 percent.6 In this article we highlight epidemiologic trends, review principles of antibiotic pharmacokinetics, and . . .