[Bacterial meningitis in young children. Current viewpoints in pathogenesis, treatment and prevention].

Bacterial meningitis is frequently diagnosed in children below the age of five years. Recently our understanding of the pathophysiology of meningitis has been enhanced by several innovative studies. In addition the development and future application of conjugate vaccines against H. influenzae, N. meningitidis, and S. pneumoniae will result in a substantial reduction of morbidity and mortality in patients with meningitis caused by these microorganisms. This review will discuss the current status on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of meningitis.