Pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis: Summary of the workshop

Many aspects of the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis have been clarified in recent years. Based on this improved understanding, rational therapeutic approaches that supplement antibiotic treatment can now be logically developed. Interventions can be directed against harmful bacterial products (e.g. antibodies, polymyxin B), against cytokines (e.g. antibodies, steroids), against WBC (e.g. antibodies, pentoxiphylline) or against some of the pathophysiologic consequences of the disease, such as brain edema, intracranial pressure or alterations of cerebral blood flow. These therapeutic modalities should be tested carefully in animal models and if they prove to be of value they should be evaluated in clinical trials.