Singapore Neurologic Infections Program

Worldwide, central nervous system infections such as inflammation of brain (encephalitis), inflammation of meninges (meningitis) and sudden onset of weakness of muscles which maybe infectious in origin result in significant illness and death and healthcare costs. Vast majority of central nervous system infections remain without an identifiable cause. There is also concern about new and emerging infections. This study thus intends to fill in the gaps in knowledge with regards to central nervous system infections in Singapore to give a thorough description of burden of causes of central nervous system infections and detection of outbreaks of new pathogens. Patients suspected of central nervous system infection will be recruited from 5 restructured Singapore hospitals and their blood and other clinical specimens will be sent for testing. Patients will also be followed up to assess long term outcomes and socio-economic costs of these infections. This will help clinicians, policymakers and public health officials in estimating financial and societal costs of CNs infections in Singapore.