In addition to well-known differences, we found a lower mortality in HIV-infected patients than in HIV-uninfected patients. Cryptococci and inflammation in the central nervous system may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CM. Low intensity of inflammation and effective surgical CSF drains for increased intracranial pressure and cryptococci removal may contribute to lower mortality in HIV-infected patients.

In HIV-infected patients with syphilis, RPR titer should be evaluated more frequently when CD4 count ≤200cell/μL is associated with treatment failure. Lumbar puncture for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis should be considered in patients with HIV and syphilis co-infection, even in patients with CD4 cell counts >350cells/μL, and particularly when the HIV VL ≥10000copies/mL.

GN PJI was less common than GP PJI, but GN PJI was more complicated and required longer treatment. Prospective randomized clinical studies are needed to investigate whether prosthesis implantation should be reserved if the patient undergoes early surgical intervention for PJI.