The challenge of treating central nervous system infections in the developing world

A Case of Acute Viral Encephalitis: Important Aspects and Related Literature Review of Sri Lankan Studies

“…Since published literature in Sri Lanka is limited, the epidemiology of encephalitis is also limited. [9] According to the published data by the WHO in 2018, 0.29% of deaths were attributed to encephalitis from the total deaths and it was 363 in number. [10] In this case under discussion, there had been a delay in hospital admission of almost three days till the girl lost her consciousness.…”

“…That period may have adversely affected the optimal treatment. [9] The patient was admitted with a history of high fever, vomiting, altered consciousness, and a fit. But only by day 5 of the illness, was the condition diagnosed as an infection of the central nervous system.…”

Identification of bacterial aetiology in acute meningitis

“…Reasons for the administration of antibiotics prior to sample collection need to be identified and addressed where feasible. Other studies conducted in Sri Lanka in 2009, 2013 and 2017 were also not able to find the aetiological agent in suspected cases of acute bacterial meningitis [16,10,17]. Though there is conflicting evidence about the use of CSF antigen detection tests, multiple studies conducted recently have revealed that CSF antigen detection offers no advantage over existing routine diagnostics [18,19].…”

Emerging tropical neurological infections

“…Aetiological agents traditionally taught in medical schools as common causes of neurological infections are seldom identified in outbreak investigations and surveillance studies from tropical countries. 1,2 This article will focus on some emerging neurological infections that have recently gained global attention.…”