Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Zygomycotic invasion of the central nervous system

Tomoaki Sasaki1, Masayuki Mineta, Keigo Kobayashi

  • 1Department of Radiology, Asahikawa Red Cross Hospital, Akebono, Asahikawa, Japan. tomoaki3est@gmail.com

Japanese Journal of Radiology
|June 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Zygomycosis, a fungal infection, can impact the central nervous system (CNS). This report details three cases where zygomycosis led to severe neurological issues, including stroke and bleeding, following surgery or transplantation.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Zygomycosis is a rare but severe opportunistic fungal infection.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in zygomycosis is uncommon and associated with high mortality.
  • Risk factors include immunosuppression and invasive procedures.

Observation:

  • Three cases of CNS zygomycosis are presented.
  • Two cases occurred post-neurosurgery; one case post-bone marrow transplantation for leukemia.
  • Patients presented with persistent fever and progressive neurological deficits.

Findings:

  • Cerebral infarction with hemorrhage was observed in all patients.
  • Histopathology revealed zygomycotic hyphae causing mycotic aneurysms, vasculitis, and venous occlusion.
  • Direct fungal invasion of CNS vasculature is the primary mechanism of injury.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in CNS zygomycosis.
  • Fungal infections should be considered in immunocompromised patients with neurological symptoms.
  • Understanding the vascular complications is key to managing this devastating infection.

More Related Videos

Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy08:50

Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy

Published on: June 2, 2011

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

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,...
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...
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...
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...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...