Commonly encountered central nervous system infections in the neurointensive care unit

The central nervous system (CNS) may be infected by a number of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Non-infectious causes such as autoimmune and vascular conditions may present with similar clinical syndromes necessitating the appropriate laboratory requests and good diagnostics. CNS infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, often requiring surgical intervention and admission to neurointensive care units. Common infection diagnoses seen in the neurointensive care unit include meningitis, ventriculitis, encephalitis and abscesses, including brain and spine. New and emerging pathogens in ITU settings include Candida auris and multi-resistant Gram negative bacteria, which are easily transmissible and may threaten the antimicrobial choices available for patients.