Abstract
Pediatric bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate initiation of treatment. Although the United States and other developed countries have seen a decline in pediatric meningitis, bacterial meningitis continues to cause high morbidity and mortality globally. Vaccinations (Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal, and meningococcal) have significantly reduced the risk of bacterial meningitis in developed countries. The treatment of bacterial meningitis depends on the suspected or known causative organism. Treatment often incorporates a third-generation cephalosporin or penicillin plus vancomycin. Dexamethasone may be added to prevent neurologic sequelae such as hearing loss. Despite aggressive therapy, many patients will experience long-term neurologic complications.