Related Experiment Videos

[Meningomyeloradiculitis in an immunocompetent patient]

C Carra Dalliere1, E Thouvenot, G Baptista

  • 1Service de neurologie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, CHU de Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin-Flîche, Montpellier cedex 5, France. clarisse.dalliere@wanadoo.fr

Revue Neurologique
|March 9, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Central nervous system Candida infection is rare and mimics tuberculosis. Diagnosis requires neurosurgical biopsy, highlighting challenges in candidal meningitis management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Candida infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is exceptionally rare.
  • Clinical and cerebrospinal fluid findings can mimic tuberculosis, complicating diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 23-year-old immunocompetent individual with a history of drug addiction presented with symptoms of alternating sciatica and multiple cranial nerve involvement.
  • Significant weight loss was noted preceding the neurological deficits.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was established via histopathologic examination of a leptomeningeal neurosurgical biopsy.
  • The causative agent was identified as Candida albicans, confirming neuromeningeal candidiasis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with candidal meningitis.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for this rare CNS fungal infection are reviewed.

Related Concept Videos

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...
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,...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
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,...
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...