Maduromycosis of the brain. Case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Neuroscience
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Brain abscesses are serious intracranial infections.
• Maduromycosis is a rare fungal infection typically affecting the feet.
• Gas-containing abscesses can indicate specific microbial involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a gas-containing brain abscess.
• To identify the causative agent as maduromycosis.
• To describe the microbiological findings of the abscess.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient presenting with neurological symptoms.
• Analysis of abscess material for fungal elements and bacteria.
• Histopathological examination of blackish material from the abscess cavity.

Main Results:

• Confirmed diagnosis of a gas-containing brain abscess.
• Identification of fungal elements consistent with maduromycosis.
• Isolation of Streptococcus hemolyticus and Klebsiella from abscess pus.

Conclusions:

• Maduromycosis can present as a rare cause of brain abscess.
• Gas formation in brain abscesses may be associated with specific pathogens.
• Polymicrobial infections involving fungi and bacteria can occur in brain abscesses.