Fungal meningitis is an infectious disease caused by fungi, characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are membranes around the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
This type of meningitis is very rare, but it can occur in anyone, especially in immunocompromised people. It can be caused by different types of fungi, the most common being the species Cryptococcus.
Treatment usually requires hospitalization, where antifungal medications are given into the vein.
Fungal meningitis is caused by thrush and occurs when it spreads through the bloodstream and crosses the blood brain barrier in the brain and spinal cord. Although rare, this condition is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as PEOPLE who are HIV-positive, people who are being treated for cancer or taking other medications, such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.
Generally, fungi responsible for fungal meningitis belong to the species Cryptococcus, which is found in soil, bird droppings and decaying wood. However, other fungi can cause meningitis, such as Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides or Candida.
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Symptoms that can be caused by fungal meningitis include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck bending pain, sensitivity to light, hallucinations and changes in consciousness.
In some cases, if meningitis is not treated properly, complications, such as seizures, brain damage, or even death may occur.
Diagnosis involves blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, and imaging tests, such as CT and MRI, that can visualize possible inflammations around the brain.
Treatment of fungal meningitis consists of the administration of antifungal drugs in the vein, such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucysn or itraconazole, which should be performed in the hospital, in addition to medicines to improve other symptoms and assess signs of improvement in the general condition of the person. .