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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
Published on: May 19, 2020
[Pathology of Opportunistic Infection of the Central Nervous System]
1Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center.
Abstract:
Opportunistic pathogens affecting the central nervous system include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, and infection with these microorganisms exhibits varied histopathological findings. In opportunistic infections, the inflammatory and reparative mechanisms of the affected tissues are generally weak, reflecting a decrease of the protective immunological response of the host. In recent years, the so-called "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome," which is caused by abrupt restoration of the immunological activity due to therapy, has emerged as a new clinicopathological problem, especially in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. In this comprehensive review, detailed classical histopathological descriptions on the various aspects of opportunistic infection affecting the central nervous system are provided, with the intention to provide a basis for further molecular pathological studies.
Insights
This review details the histopathology of opportunistic central nervous system infections. It provides a foundation for understanding these infections and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Opportunistic pathogens (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses) frequently impact the central nervous system (CNS).
- Host immune response is often diminished in opportunistic infections, leading to weak inflammatory and reparative tissue mechanisms.
- Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a growing concern, particularly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, due to therapy-induced immune restoration.
Purpose:
- To provide comprehensive classical histopathological descriptions of CNS opportunistic infections.
- To establish a basis for advanced molecular pathological investigations.
- To clarify the varied histopathological findings associated with these infections.
Summary:
- This review details the histopathological features of opportunistic infections affecting the central nervous system.
- It covers diverse microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
- The review also addresses the emerging challenge of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Impact:
- Facilitates a deeper understanding of CNS opportunistic infections and their histopathological manifestations.
- Provides a foundational resource for future molecular pathology research in this field.
- Aids in the diagnosis and management of complex infections in immunocompromised patients.
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