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Intravenous amphetamine abuse, primary cerebral mucormycosis, and acquired immunodeficiency

M S Micozzi, C V Wetli

    Journal of Forensic Sciences
    |April 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fatal cerebral mucormycosis occurred in two intravenous amphetamine abusers with lymphopenia. This fungal cerebritis may be linked to stimulant drug abuse and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Intravenous drug abuse is associated with various infections.
    • Cerebral mucormycosis is a rare but aggressive fungal infection.
    • Lymphopenia can impair immune response to infections.

    Observation:

    • Two intravenous amphetamine abusers presented with fatal, rapidly progressive cerebral mucormycosis.
    • Abscess formation was noted in the brain.
    • Absolute lymphopenia was present in both cases.

    Findings:

    • Postmortem examination confirmed primary fungal cerebritis and abscess.
    • Histology and culture documented the fungal infection.
    • Cases were compared to previous reports in intravenous drug abusers.

    Implications:

    • Primary fungal cerebritis linked to stimulant drug abuse is a significant concern.
    • This condition might represent a variant of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
    • Further research is needed to understand the link between stimulant abuse, lymphopenia, and fungal infections.

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