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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
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CNS Infections Caused by Brown-Black Fungi

Jon Velasco1, Sanjay Revankar2

  • 1Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Central nervous system (CNS) infections from dematiaceous fungi are rare but increasing. These fungal infections often affect immunocompetent individuals and are difficult to diagnose and treat, leading to high mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by dematiaceous fungi (phaeohyphomycoses) are uncommon but increasingly reported.
  • Unlike infections by other molds like Aspergillus, these fungi often infect immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of CNS infections caused by dematiaceous fungi.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for phaeohyphomycoses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of reported cases and existing guidelines.
  • Analysis of fungal species, patient demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Cladophialophora bantiana is the most frequent causative agent.
  • Diagnosis is complicated by the lack of specific diagnostic tests.
  • Infections are often resistant to standard therapies, necessitating aggressive combined treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

  • CNS phaeohyphomycoses require a multidisciplinary approach for management.
  • High mortality rates persist despite aggressive interventions.
  • Further research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed to establish standardized treatment protocols.
Keywords:
CladophialophoraExserohilumRhinocladiellabrain abscessdematiaceousfungal meningitisposaconazolevoriconazole

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