Introduction to Imaging Methods

Abstract

Central nervous system infections remain relatively high in morbidity and mortality worldwide; many of the known pathogens that can cause infectious diseases include broad-spectrum bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycobacteria, and parasites. In 1971, Omran [1] proposed a theory of epidemiological transition in developing countries, describing the mortality changes and disease patterns of CNS infections in these countries, which consisted of three phases, namely, the “era of plague and famine,” the “era of pandemics,” and the “era of degeneration and human-made diseases.” A recent annual mortality rate published in the United States and data from the World Health Organization reflect a decline in mortality associated with infectious diseases and a gradual evolution of infectious diseases to chronic diseases. CNS infection is common clinical serious infectious conditions, which are mainly meningitis and encephalitis syndrome, etc. CNS diseases such as intracranial tumor, cerebral hemorrhage, and craniocerebral trauma can be treated effectively by surgery, but the rate of postoperative infection is still on the rise. The progression of CNS infections is often very rapid in nature and is characterized by a high mortality rate and a high incidence of sequelae.