Ventricular shunt infections: Immunopathogenesis and clinical management

Yenis Gutierrez-Murgas, Jessica N. Snowden

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ventricular shunts are the most common neurosurgical procedure performed in the United States. This hydrocephalus treatment is often complicated by infection of the device with biofilm-forming bacteria. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of shunt infection, as well as the implications of the biofilm formation on treatment and prevention of these infections. Many questions remain, including the contribution of glia and the impact of inflammation on developmental outcomes following infection. Immune responses within the CNS must be carefully regulated to contain infection while minimizing bystander damage; further study is needed to design optimal treatment strategies for these patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology
Volume276
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2014

Keywords

  • Biofilm
  • Catheter
  • Central nervous system
  • Shunt infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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