[Acute bacterial meningitis: an update]

Abstract

In patients with clinically suspected acute bacterial meningitis, physicians should aim for a quick diagnostic workup including lumbar puncture. Cerebral imaging before lumbar puncture is only indicated in patients with focal neurologic deficits, impaired consciousness, epileptic seizures within one week before presentation or a history of immunosuppression. One important prognostic factor is a rapid initiation of an empiric antibiotic therapy which should best be started within 1 hour after hospital admission.