[Acute meningoencephalitis--diagnosis and therapy].

Meningoencephalitis is still associated with a mortality rate of up to 30% and early selective treatment is extremely important. Whenever the disease is suspected, lumbar puncture should be performed immediately with the aim of differentiating on the basis of the cell count and cell picture between the various forms of inflammation namely bacterial, viral, and other special forms (tuberculous, leptospiral, spirochaete-associated or fungus-associated infections). Bacterial meningoencephalitis requires immediate antibiotic treatment. The present article discusses the choice of suitable medication. When herpes encephalitis is suspected, acyclovir should be administered immediately. The diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningoencephalitis are also briefly discussed. Infections with less common pathogens are not considered in the present article.