Characteristics and Distribution of Fungal Meningitis: A Systematic Review

Meningitis is one of the most severe manifestations of fungal infections in the central nervous system. Various microorganisms, including fungi, can cause the disease. Understanding the prevalence of fungal meningitis is crucial for identifying geographical areas with higher incidence rates and improving prevention, control, and treatment strategies. This study aimed to highlight gaps in understanding disease-causing factors and vulnerable populations.

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to systematically review articles on fungal meningitis from 2014 to 2023. Relevant articles were screened for eligibility and quality-checked using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools before inclusion in the final analysis.

A total of 33 articles were included in the review. Most of the articles on the prevalence of fungal meningitis were published in 2015. The highest number of studies were conducted in the United States, southern African countries, and Brazil. Cryptococcus spp. was identified as the primary cause of fungal meningitis in 84.8% of the articles. Additionally, HIV was the most commonly associated medical condition.

This systematic review provides an overview of the global epidemiology of fungal meningitis and underscores its significant burden. While progress has been made in understanding the epidemiology of the disease, major challenges remain in early diagnosis, access to effective treatment, and management of complications. Continued research and improved access to healthcare resources are critical to mitigating the impact of this life-threatening condition worldwide.