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What is fungal meningitis?
The meninges are a layer of protection for the brain which reduces the likelihood of damage to the brain during impact or injury. Meningitis is the infection and inflammation of the meninges, and also involving the cerebral cortex immediately adjacent to the meninges. The cortex is where all the functioning in the brain connects, so the inflammation can result in a reduction of all motor and sensory function throughout the body.
Fungal meningitis is an infection of the meninges caused by fungus.
It generally is caused by several different kinds of fungus, including Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Coccidioidomyces.
Histoplasmosis is found in soil and material contaminated with bat or bird droppings.
Blastomycosis is endemic in parts of the south-central, southeastern and midwestern United States.
Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico and South America.
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What
clinical findings (signs, symptoms, and test
results) indicate fungal meningitis?
Each of the fungi has their own antigen culture, which take a few days to process. In addition, the general symptoms of meningitis apply as follows:
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Treatment Options
Early diagnosis of any infection is critical. Meningitis may lead to permanent neurologic damage or death if untreated. Once identified, fungal meningitis can be treated with the anti-fungal medication Amphoterecin B. It is important to be sure of the diagnosis, however, because the side effects of this medication can be serious as well. Click here for more information.
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Science Links
Brain function
Understanding the brain
What is meningitis?
Fungal Overview
Fungal Infections
What is the central nervous system?
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