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

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Fungal infections of the central nervous system

J M K Murthy1, C Sundaram2

  • 1Continental Institute of Neurosciences & Rehabilitation, Continental Hospitals, IT & Financial District, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|December 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients are evolving, with many affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in these challenging CNS fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is dynamic, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Systemic fungal pathogens frequently involve the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Geographical distribution varies among fungal species, impacting global health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CNS fungal infections.
  • To highlight advances in understanding the pathobiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics for CNS fungal infections.
  • To emphasize the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention in CNS fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological trends in IFIs.
  • Analysis of recent advancements in CNS fungal infection diagnostics.
  • Synthesis of current therapeutic strategies for CNS fungal infections.

Main Results:

  • Invasive fungal infections show changing epidemiological patterns globally.
  • Central nervous system involvement is common in systemic fungal infections.
  • Despite advances, significant diagnostic delays persist for CNS fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • CNS fungal infections present substantial morbidity and mortality.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy are paramount for favorable outcomes.
  • Ongoing research in pathobiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics is essential to combat CNS fungal infections.
Keywords:
Fungal infections of CNSantifungal agentsaspergillosisblastomycosiscandidiasiscoccidioidomycosiscryptococcal meningitishistoplasmosiszygomycosis

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