Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment of bacterial meningitis.

Mortality and morbidity rates of bacterial meningitis are still unacceptably high, and thus, new, potent antimicrobial agents and adjuvant anti-inflammatory strategies are being evaluated to improve patient outcome. With the declining rates of Haemophilus influenzae type B infections, after the introduction of conjugated vaccines, research to find preventive measures for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis infections is underway. In the meantime, scientific effort is being directed optimally to treat disease caused by multiresistant pneumococcal strains.