fungal infections of the nervous system
Last reviewed 01/2018
Fungal infection of the nervous system usually occurs in patients with impaired immunity.
Classically the most common pathogens were candida and aspergillus; with the advent of AIDS, cryptococcal infection has become more frequent.
Clinically there are two main presentations:
- meningitis, often subacute
- multifocal encephalitis
One should look for fungal infection elsewhere, such as skin or lung.
Diagnosis usually comes from analysis of cerebrospinal fluid or biopsy tissue.