CNS infections may manifest as follows: Diffuse parenchymal infection, resulting in encephalitis, sometimes affecting specific areas on the brain Inflammation of the brain secondary to meningeal infections or parameningeal infections Focal or multifocal infection (eg, due to a brain abscess, empyema, or fungal or parasitic brain infections such as neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium) HIV infection and prion diseases can also affect the brain diffusely.