Purpose of review: This article reviews infectious etiologies of spinal cord dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of recognizing common clinicoradiographic syndromes and interpreting them in the context of exposure risk and individual host susceptibilities.
Recent findings: This article discusses the shifting spectrum of neurologic infectious diseases, the growing population of patients who are immunocompromised, and the emergence of effective antiretroviral therapies. In addition, it discusses new molecular and serologic tests that have the potential to enhance our ability to rapidly and accurately diagnose infectious diseases of the spine.
Summary: When evaluating patients with suspected infectious myelopathies, it is imperative to narrow the range of pathogens under consideration. The geography, seasonality, and clinicoradiographic presentation and immunocompetence status of the patient define the range of potential pathogens and should guide testing and initial management.
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