Viral Meningitis and Encephalitis Update

Abstract

Purpose of Review This review describes advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of non-bacterial meningitis and encephalitis, with a focus on emerging viral causes of central nervous system (CNS) infection. Recent Findings The Infectious Diseases Society of America recently published new guidelines for the management of encephalitis. Multiple articles have been published detailing emerging etiologies in human CNS infections, including analyses of neurological complications in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, several novel viral detection methods have been described, which may improve the detection of the specific etiologies of CNS infections (Hongyan et al. Front Neurol 14, [1]). Summary Meningitis and encephalitis remain important causes of morbidity and mortality. They are as a whole uncommon, yet timely diagnosis, treatment, and disposition are still critical to improve patient outcomes. In clinical practice the exact cause of encephalitis is frequently unidentified, making supportive care often the only available treatment. Emergency physicians, neurologists, infectious disease doctors, and intensive care unit specialists will benefit from reviewing this discussion on emerging pathogens, as well as from reviewing advances in virology, immunology, and the imaging of inflammatory CNS conditions.