Broadening Our Understanding of the Impact of Infections on the Developing Central Nervous System - from Basic to Clinical Sciences

Infections of the central nervous system represent a major global burden of disease in children, yet our understanding of disease processes, optimal treatment and long-term impact remains poor. The developing brain not only has unique vulnerabilities but also has strengths that set it apart from the mature brain. Similarly, physiologically and immunologically children are distinct from adults and subject to a changing biological landscape during the course of childhood. The consequences of neuroinfection during childhood can be life-long and cumulative. Pediatric specific research on neuroinfection is therefore critical in developing appropriate treatment in both the short- and long-term, yet remains an understudied area.
This Research Topic aims to broaden our understanding of infection in the developing central nervous system, at an organic level to unravel pathophysiology and pathogenesis, a clinical level to elucidate acute and long-term treatment and monitoring strategies that may improve outcome, and a public health level to address disease burden and impact.
We welcome articles from a range of basic and clinical sciences, including cellular neuroscience, neurochemistry, immunology, genetics, -omics, biomarkers, pharmacology, neurosurgery, neurology, radiology, public health, epidemiology, neurodevelopment and rehabilitation. Human and mechanistic data are eligible. Review articles, original data and expert opinions are all encouraged. We welcome contributions from all locations, and particularly encourage those from low and middle income countries.