The central nervous system (CNS) is typically regarded as a privileged environment in the human body because of the innate protection afforded by the blood brain barrier. Nevertheless, various microbial pathogens are capable of infecting the nervous system, particularly in the immunocompromised host. Generally, CNS infections can be broadly categorized into infections of the meninges (meningitis), parenchyma (encephalitis), abscesses, granulomatous infections, and fungal infections. 2 CNS infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. In response to one of these pathogens, the brain, and sometimes the spinal cord, becomes inflamed. Treatment for a central nervous system infection varies depending on the kind of infection, where it is located in the body, and how rapidly it is progressing. 3