Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
09:35

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells

Published on: May 19, 2020

AIDS-associated Penicillium marneffei infection of the central nervous system

Thuy Le1, Nguyen Huu Chi, Ngo T Kim Cuc

  • 1Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programmes, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. thuyl@oucru.org

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|November 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Penicillium marneffei causes opportunistic infections in HIV patients in Southeast Asia. This study details the first reported cases of central nervous system infections caused by this fungus in 21 individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Penicillium marneffei is an opportunistic pathogen endemic in Southeast Asia.
  • It is frequently associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by Penicillium marneffei has not been previously documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with central nervous system infection due to Penicillium marneffei.
  • To establish the occurrence of Penicillium marneffei as a cause of CNS disease in HIV-infected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series.
  • Analysis of clinical data from 21 HIV-infected patients.
  • Isolation of Penicillium marneffei from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Results:

  • Twenty-one HIV-infected patients presented with symptoms suggestive of acute CNS infection.
  • Penicillium marneffei was successfully isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of all patients.
  • This represents the first documented series of central nervous system infections caused by Penicillium marneffei.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillium marneffei can cause central nervous system infections in patients with HIV.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing this opportunistic infection.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies.

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,...
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...
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...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
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,...