Introduction: Meningitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of meninges. The classic triad of meningitis consists of fever, headache and neck stiffness. Pneumococcal meningitis is the most common bacterial cause of meningitis. Most patients recover completely if appropriate antibiotic therapy is instituted promptly. Tubercular meningitis is a very critical disease in terms of fatal outcome and permanent sequelae, requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Death may occur as a result of missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. Encephalitis primarily involves the brain; it often involves the meninges as well (meningoencephalitis). There are no studies done till now showing the clinical, etiological profile and outcome in patients with meningitis and meningoencephalitis. This study is done to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, so that prompt management is given at appropriate time. Aim: This is a prospective observational, single center study done in Department of medicine NSCB medical college hospital Jabalpur in 93 patients ofacute meningoencephalitis cases: March2021to August 2023. The main aim of this study is ‘’TO STUDY THE CLINICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN CASES OF ACUTE MENINGOENCEPHALITISIN ADULTS’’ Materials And Methods: In the present study, we recruited 93 patients who presented with meningitis and meningoencephalitis who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Proforma is used to collect data needed. Data are statistically analysed. Results: Among the 93 patients with meningo-encephalitis in this study, the common initial presenting symptoms were fever (89%) and Vomiting (89%) >altered sensorium> headache and neck pain and stiffness>Focal neurological deficit> seizure. Fever was the most common initial presenting symptom. 86 patients (92.5%) had fever and headache (92.5%). Headache was associated with vomiting in some of the patients. 45 patients had both fever and headache. 58 patients had altered sensorium in the course of illness, varying from drowsiness to deep coma. Only 45 patients had all the three triad – headache, fever and altered sensorium. Conclusion: In the present study we found that, most of the patients with meningoencephalitis were males and young adults. Surprisingly, tuberculous meningitis was the most common overall cause in our study. Both viral meningo-encephalitis and pyogenic meningitis constituted most of the cases of acute Meningoencephalitis. Tuberculous meningitis was the most common cause in patient with subacute meningitis. All patients with chronic presentation had tuberculous meningitis. We came across atypical presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in a non-HIV patient.47 patients recovered well without neurological deficits.

meningo-encephalitis, altered sensorium.