WHO practical manual on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care

Overview

The global burden of acute bacterial meningitis remains high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and resource-limited settings. Following the publication of the guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, the World Health Organization has developed a practical manual to support implementation activities and operationalize the recommendations included in the guidelines.

This practical manual provides a variety of job aids – including evidence-based decision-making algorithms – to support clinical operations for diagnosing, treating and managing sequelae in people with suspected or confirmed acute meningitis. The document primarily focuses on acute bacterial meningitis in children aged over 1 month, adolescents and adults. However, because of shared clinical features and overlapping diagnostic and treatment strategies, this manual also includes initial guidance on and consideration of acute bacterial meningitis in neonates, viral meningitis, tuberculous (TB) meningitis, HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis and cerebral malaria. The result is a comprehensive resource that provides easy access to initial recommendations on these conditions and directs readers to specialized documents for more detailed guidance when needed.