Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system 2014-2024

Main Article Content

Angela Karen Rangel-Tovar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2828-3404
Leora Velásquez-Pérez https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3581-9580

Keywords

Inflammatory Diseases, Meningoencephalitis, Central Nervous System Infections, Epidemiology

Abstract

Background: Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (IIDCNS) are infectious pathologies considered medical emergencies that can be fatal. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, supplemented by neuroimaging studies. It is extremely important to understand the behavior of these diseases over a study period.


Objective: To describe the main epidemiological characteristics, frequency, and trends of IIDCNS of bacterial and viral origin during a 10-year period in a tertiary healthcare institution in Mexico City.


Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Clinical records of IIDCNS from 2014 to 2024 were reviewed. Epidemiological variables were analyzed, the annual incidence of each infection type was calculated, and temporal trends throughout the study period were assessed.


Results: A total of 332 cases of IIDCNS were identified; 52% were male, and 57% were from Mexico City. Infections of viral origin accounted for 62% of cases. The main viral agents isolated were Herpesvirus types 1 and 2 (51.2%), and of bacterial origin Staphilococcus aureus (22.8%). An increasing trend was found for bacterial and viral meningoencephalitis (p ≤ 0.05). The case fatality rate was 5%.


Conclusions: The increase in IIDCNS is related to the socio-sanitary conditions of the country.

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