A retrospective study of viral central nervous system infections: relationship amongst aetiology, clinical course and outcome

Purpose To describe the clinical pattern of viral central nervous system (CNS) infections and compare meningitis and encephalitis. Methods This is a retrospective study reporting the clinical characteristics and outcome of 138 cases of viral meningitis and meningoencephalitis in a real life experience at a referral centre in Turin, Northern Italy. Results Enteroviruses were predominant in younger patients who were mainly presenting with signs of meningitis, had shorter hospital admission and absence of complications, whereas herpesviruses had more often signs of encephalitis, were more frequent in elderly patients, had longer hospital admission and frequent complications and sequelae. Conclusions Two main clinical entities with different epidemiology, clinical aspects and prognosis may be identified within the group of viral CNS inefctions.