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Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System in Children

Matthew W McCarthy1, Darius Kalasauskas2,3, Vidmantas Petraitis3,4

  • 1Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York.

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|September 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections of the central nervous system in children are rare but serious. Advances in understanding and treatment have improved diagnosis, yet high mortality rates persist, necessitating further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are uncommon but severe in pediatric populations.
  • Despite advancements in mycologic, immunologic, and pharmacologic understanding, treatment remains challenging, and mortality rates are high.
  • A comprehensive review is needed to address the current state of pediatric CNS fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of common fungal pathogens affecting the pediatric CNS.
  • To explore recent advancements in the diagnosis of these infections.
  • To discuss current and emerging antifungal therapies for pediatric CNS fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Focused literature review.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data.
  • Synthesis of clinical features and diagnostic modalities.
  • Evaluation of antifungal treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Identification of the most prevalent fungal agents causing CNS infections in children.
  • Summary of typical clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges.
  • Overview of novel diagnostic techniques and their efficacy.
  • Assessment of current antifungal drug efficacy and limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric fungal CNS infections, though rare, require prompt and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
  • Continued research into pathogenesis, diagnostics, and novel therapeutics is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.
  • Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for optimal management of these complex cases.
Keywords:
CNSCandida meningoencephalitisaspergillosiscryptococcosisfungal infectionsmucormycosis

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