Preface

Meningoencephalitis remains a major global threat, despite the prevention, diagnosis, and antibiotic therapy that have been improved considerably in the last years.

The diagnostic approach urgently established, etiologic agent identified, and empirical antimi‐ crobial therapy remain a continuous challenge, especially in immunocompromised patients.

In this thematic issue, the scientists present their results of accomplished studies, in order to provide several guidelines regarding the strategies of diagnosis and treatment of patients with meningoencephalitis.

The guidelines are necessarily asked, and those using the guidelines are advised to seek expert advice on the management of cases (from clinical microbiologists, infectious dis‐ ease physicians, infection control, public health physicians, and occupational health physi‐ cians) as required. The guidance can be adapted depending on local circumstances and risk assessment of each suspected case or situation and will contribute to a considerable prog‐ ress in medical field.

However, meningoencephalitis remains a public health concern and continues to claim many lives, despite the availability of potent antibiotics. Any delay in the diagnosis of this illness could cause morbidity and death.

I take this occasion to thank so much all the contributors of this book, who played a critical role in gathering data for public health decision, with precision, perseverance, and dedica‐ tion, adding valuable data and completing our knowledge regarding some meningoence‐ phalitis aspects.

> **Dr. Marina Pana** Head of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Lab Operational Contact Point for S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis for ECDC "Cantacuzino" National Research Institute Bucharest, Romania
