Building a network for multicenter, prospective research of central nervous system infections in South America: Process and lessons learned

Abstract

Multicenter collaborative networks are essential for advancing research and improving clinical care for a variety of conditions. Research networks are particularly important for central nervous system infections, which remain difficult to study due to their sporadic occurrence and requirement for collection and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Establishment of long-term research networks in resource-limited areas also facilitates diagnostic capacity building, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and provision of appropriate treatment where needed. We review our experience developing a research network for encephalitis among twelve hospitals in five Peruvian cities since 2009. We provide practical suggestions to aid other groups interested in advancing research on central nervous system infections in resource-limited areas.

Accessible magnetic resonance imaging: A review

“…Considering the increase in scanner density between 2011 (1.4 pmp) and 2016 (2.39 pmp), it is expected that some of these challenges are being addressed. The scanner density in South America is comparatively more diverse than the three North American countries, ranging from 9.43 pmp in Chile to 0.13 pmp in Ecuador. This is positively correlated with the World Bank income grouping (high for Chile and upper‐middle for Ecuador), as expected.…”