Bacterial meningitis in a high HIV prevalence setting in sub-Saharan Africa--challenges to a better outcome.

Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Approaches to reducing the incidence include the deployment of effective anti-retroviral therapy in areas where HIV co-infection is common, vaccination, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Health education, improved diagnostic speed and capacity, and ensuring appropriate antibiotic therapy may improve outcome amongst patients presenting with bacterial meningitis.