Incidence, aetiology, and sequelae of viral meningitis in UK adults: a multicentre prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Viral meningitis is increasingly recognised, but little is known about the frequency with which it occurs, or the causes and outcomes in the UK. We aimed to determine the incidence, causes, and sequelae in UK adults to improve the management of patients and assist in health service planning.

Methods: We did a multicentre prospective observational cohort study of adults with suspected meningitis at 42 hospitals across England.