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Current Infectious Disease Reports
Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports 4/2010

01-07-2010

Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Tuberculous Meningitis

Author: Scott W. Sinner

Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and presents particular challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. The nonspecific clinical presentation of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) has led researchers to develop newer molecular methods of making the diagnosis. Several of these methods have excellent sensitivity and specificity, although many are not yet available for clinical use. Successful treatment of TBM requires a combination of antimicrobial agents, with vigilance regarding the possibility of disease caused by resistant organisms. Adjunctive corticosteroids also have a role in treating this potentially devastating infection, as can neurosurgery. With proper therapy, morbidity and mortality can be minimized in patients with TBM.
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Metadata
Title
Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Tuberculous Meningitis
Author
Scott W. Sinner
Publication date
01-07-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Infectious Disease Reports / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 1523-3847
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-010-0106-3

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