Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

Cerebral aspergillosis in children. Report of three cases

V Cuccia1, M Galarza, J Monges

  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital Nacional de Pediatría, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|October 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Three infants developed cerebral aspergillosis, a serious Aspergillus infection of the brain, often linked to immunosuppression or prior surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare but severe fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Infantile cerebral aspergillosis is a rare but severe fungal infection affecting the brain.
  • Immunosuppression and prior neurosurgery are significant risk factors.

Observation:

  • Three cases of infantile cerebral aspergillosis were observed between March and December 1997.
  • Patients presented with symptoms of intracranial hypertension.
  • One case involved a post-surgical complication after ependymoma resection; two cases occurred in transplant recipients (renal and bone marrow).

Findings:

  • All cases were confirmed histopathologically with positive Aspergillus cultures.
  • Cerebral lesions, including an Aspergillus granuloma mimicking tumor recurrence, were identified.
  • Rhinocerebral aspergillosis was noted in one post-bone marrow transplant case.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in immunocompromised infants with neurological symptoms.
  • Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy.
  • Underscores the diagnostic challenges, such as differentiating fungal granulomas from tumor recurrence.

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Live-3D-Cell Immunocytochemistry Assays of Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma09:06

Live-3D-Cell Immunocytochemistry Assays of Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma

Published on: November 11, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...