Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Fungal brain infections

Eileen P Scully1, Lindsey R Baden, Joel T Katz

  • 1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Current Opinion in Neurology
|May 3, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Central nervous system fungal infections are rising in immunocompromised individuals. Early recognition and management are crucial, aided by new diagnostics and antifungals for improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are increasingly prevalent.
  • Immunocompromised populations are at heightened risk.
  • Early recognition and appropriate management are critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current approaches for diagnosing and managing CNS fungal infections.
  • To highlight the impact of novel immune-modifying therapies on fungal risk.
  • To provide guidance based on host factors, clinical presentation, and pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent literature on CNS fungal infections.
  • Analysis of diagnostic advancements, including noninvasive assays (serum beta-D-glucan, galactomannan).
  • Evaluation of emerging antifungal therapies and their efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Immune-modifying therapies present predictable fungal infection risks based on immune targets and drug timing.
  • Advances in noninvasive diagnostics have significantly improved early detection.
  • Newer antifungal agents have led to better clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • A systematic approach to suspected CNS fungal infections is essential.
  • Management strategies should integrate host risk factors, clinical syndromes, and specific fungal pathogens.
  • Improved diagnostics and therapeutics offer better prognoses for affected patients.

More Related Videos

Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma10:02

Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma

Published on: June 2, 2023

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract07:42

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

Related Concept Videos

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,...
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,...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
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...
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...