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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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
Summary
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.
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