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Management of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis
Carlos Franco-Paredes1, Tanea Womack2, Teri Bohlmeyer2
1Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA, USA; Hospital Infantil de Mexico, Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, can cause severe meningoencephalitis, particularly from Cryptococcus gattii. Aggressive management of intracranial pressure is crucial, even in healthy individuals, but outcomes can still be poor.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.
- It often affects immunosuppressed individuals but can also occur in immunocompetent hosts.
- Cryptococcus gattii is increasingly implicated in cryptococcosis, affecting both immune-compromised and healthy individuals.
Observation:
- Cryptococcus gattii can cause central nervous system (CNS) disease, including meningoencephalitis.
- Treatment for CNS cryptococcosis, especially C. gattii, necessitates managing intracranial pressure alongside antifungal therapy.
- Aggressive interventions like cerebrospinal fluid diversion and corticosteroids may be required.
Findings:
- A case of fatal C. gattii meningoencephalitis in a healthy adolescent is presented.
- The study reviews literature on C. gattii meningoencephalitis management.
- Optimal clinical strategies for C. gattii meningoencephalitis are discussed.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential severity of C. gattii infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Emphasizes the critical role of intracranial pressure management in C. gattii CNS infections.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.
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