Colonization at time of surgery progressing to infection
Retrograde infection from distal end (for ventriculoperitoneal shunts)
Transcutaneous (erosion or manipulation)
Hematogenous spread (especially for ventriculoatrial shunts)
Clinical Manifestations
Headache, nausea, lethargy, and altered mental status
May have erythema and tenderness over the tubing
May have abdominal pain if peritoneal source for VP shunt
Can present with isolated fever
Further Reading
2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Healthcare-Associated Ventriculitis and Meningitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2017;64(6):e34-e65. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw861
