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Emerging Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System in the Past Decade: A Literature Review

Rita Lino1,2, André Rodrigues Guimarães1,2, Estela Sousa1,2

  • 1Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital de São João-Unidade Local de Saúde São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.

Infectious Disease Reports
|October 25, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Emerging fungal pathogens like Candida auris are increasingly causing central nervous system (CNS) infections. This rise necessitates better diagnostics and treatments for these life-threatening fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections pose a significant global health threat with high mortality rates.
  • Increased incidence is linked to immunocompromised populations, environmental changes, and improved diagnostics.
  • Emerging fungal pathogens are a growing concern in CNS infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify emerging or potentially emerging fungal pathogens causing CNS infections.
  • To review the clinical characteristics of these fungi.
  • To highlight the need for improved management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A decade-long PubMed literature review was performed.
  • Focused on identifying CNS infections caused by specific fungi.
  • Included Candida auris, Trichosporon spp., Blastomyces spp., Sporothrix spp., Talaromyces marneffei, Lomentospora prolificans, and Scedosporium spp.

Main Results:

  • Identified cases for each specified fungus: Candida auris (10), Trichosporon spp. (5), Blastomyces spp. (82), Sporothrix spp. (36), Talaromyces marneffei (21), Lomentospora prolificans (22), Scedosporium spp. (42).
  • The data indicates a notable presence of these fungi in CNS infections.
  • The exact disease burden is challenging to determine.

Conclusions:

  • The rising incidence of CNS fungal infections by these pathogens is evident.
  • There is an urgent need for enhanced diagnostic, treatment, and management strategies.
  • Improved interventions are crucial to improve outcomes for life-threatening CNS fungal infections.
Keywords:
BlastomycesCandida aurisLomentosporaScedosporiumSporothrixTalaromycesTrichosporoncentral nervous systemfungi

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