Bacterial meningitis in the elderly

Microorganisms invade the subarachnoid space through distant sources of infection or asymptomatic hidden lesions, or directly invade from nearby infections, causing meningitis. Due to the limited immune defense system of the subarachnoid space, the infection spreads rapidly. If it is acute, severe infection and untreated, it can quickly endanger patients' lives, especially elderly patients. Pyogenic bacteria is the most common pathogen of central nervous system infection in the elderly. Viral, tuberculosis, fungal, and Borrelia infections are rare. At present, it is believed that the elderly are more susceptible to certain infections of the central nervous system and the prognosis is poorer than young people. Long-term hospitalization is not due to age-related immune dysfunction.