Objective 　To determine whether there are differences in the bacteriology, predisposing factors, treatment option and outcome between single, multiple and multilocular pyogenic brain abscess. Methods 　We studied clinical data of 85 patients with pyogenic brain abscess collected during a 20-year period, including 52 cases of single, 15 multiple and 18 multilocular abscesses. Results 　The incidence of multiple and multilocular abscesses was 17.6% and 21.2%, respectively. Hematogenous spread from a remote infectious focus was the most common cause of infection for multiple (73.3%) and multilocular (50.0%) abscesses. Fever, headache, nausea and vomiting were the most common symptoms in patients with multiple and multilocular abscesses. Staphylococci aureuswas the most commonly isolated pathogen in patients with multiple and multilocular abscess. Stereotactic aspiration of the abscess was performed for most of the patients, and the rate of re-operation was 2.2% for single, 2.7% for multiple and 30.8% for multilocular abscess, respectively. Mortality rate was 0.0% for single, 20.0% for multiple and 0.0% for multilocular abscess, respectively. Conclusions 　Multiple and multilocular pyogenic brain abscesses are not rare and their clinical characteristics are different from that of single abscess. Stereotactic operation is still the first treatment choice, but repeated aspiration maybe needed for some patients with multilocular abscess. Neurological status and seriousness of the illness before the operation were the most important factors influencing the prognosis.