Central nervous system (CNS) infections represent 2.9% of the infections encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Among them, infectious meningitis and encephalitis, regardless of their community or healthcare-associated origin, often have dramatic consequences, including permanent brain injury and mortality.

Due to the potential severity of presentation and the acute risk of mortality, many of these patients are admitted to the ICU.

Their management requires a thorough understanding of not only epidemiology and diagnostic workup, but also of antimicrobial and adjunctive treatments.

Meningitis and encephalitis represent severe and underrecognized causes of brain injury and mortality in the ICU setting.

The incidence of healthcare-associated meningitis and ventriculitis is increasing, and requires special consideration.

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