The epidemiology and outcomes of central nervous system infections in Far North Queensland, tropical Australia; 2000-2019.

Background: The epidemiology of central nervous system (CNS) infections in tropical Australia is incompletely defined.

Methods: A retrospective study of all individuals in Far North Queensland, tropical Australia, who were diagnosed with a CNS infection between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019. The microbiological aetiology of the infection was correlated with patients' demographic characteristics and their clinical course.

Melioidosis-a disease of socioeconomic disadvantage.

Background: There is growing recognition of the contribution of the social determinants of health to the burden of many infectious diseases. However, the relationship between socioeconomic status and the incidence and outcome of melioidosis is incompletely defined.

Methods: All residents of Far North Queensland, tropical Australia with culture-proven melioidosis between January 1998 and December 2020 were eligible for the study.