Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
10:03
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
7.0K
Infective meningitis caused by Phialemonium curvatum
Yueli Zou1, Yuhai Bi2, Hui Bu1
1The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 23, 2014
Abstract:
Infections caused by rarely encountered fungal pathogens have increased in recent decades. Phialemonium species are widely distributed in the environment and are also involved in human infections, affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The present study describes a case of meningitis caused by Phialemonium curvatum.
Insights
Rare fungal infections are rising. This study details a case of meningitis caused by Phialemonium curvatum, a fungus found in the environment, affecting a patient.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Emerging infections caused by rare fungal pathogens are a growing global health concern.
- Phialemonium species, ubiquitous environmental fungi, have been increasingly implicated in human mycoses.
- These infections can affect individuals across the immune spectrum, including immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts.
Observation:
- A case of meningitis is presented.
- The causative agent was identified as Phialemonium curvatum.
- The patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic workup are described.
Findings:
- Phialemonium curvatum was confirmed as the etiological agent of meningitis.
- This case highlights the potential of Phialemonium species to cause severe central nervous system infections.
- The study contributes to the understanding of Phialemonium-related human mycoses.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in the differential diagnosis of meningitis.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities for Phialemonium infections are warranted.
- Further research into the epidemiology and treatment of Phialemonium infections is needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
14
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...
14
01:18Viral Meningitis
196
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...
196
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
19
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...
19
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
12
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...
12
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
56
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
56
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
782
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
782