The contents of this volume are based upon the proceedings of a Sympo sium entitled Infectious Diseases of the Central Nervous System held in Phoenix, Arizona, and sponsored by the Barrow Neurological Institute and Foundation during its Ninth Annual Symposium. The purpose of the Symposium was to bring together knowledgeable experts in this field to review information that is available and to enhance our knowledge of new developments in the field of infectious diseases in the central nervous system. Because the subject could not be covered in its entirety by this volume, we have placed particular emphasis on recent developments and new information. The volume includes a remarkably fresh and interesting discussion of viral diseases as they affect the nervous system, including conventional and unconventional virus agents, and in addition, discussions of path ophysiology and epidemiology and postinfectious diseases of the nervous system. A similar approach is taken to the treatment of bacterial infection. Discussions of pathophysiology are intertwined with discussions of diag nostic techniques, prevention techniques and treatment of bacterial in fections. Additional surgical problems are discussed regarding prevention and management of peri operative infection and brain abscess. Special consid eration was given to coccidioidomycosis which is prevalent in the western states; also, there is a discussion of parasitic infections. This volume will be of interest to neurologists and neurosurgeons and any physician dealing with infectious disease. RICHARD A. THOMPSON, M.D. JOHN R. GREEN, M.D.