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Pyogenic Meningitis with Vasculitis Caused by Neoscytalidium Dimidiatum
Ameet Dravid1, Akshay Kaje2, Deepika Yawale2
1Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, India.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|June 25, 2026
Summary
A rare fungal infection, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, caused severe central nervous system disease in a teen. Molecular diagnostics identified the pathogen, enabling targeted antifungal therapy and improving the patient's condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- A previously healthy 16-year-old male presented with symptoms mimicking bacterial meningitis, including headache, fever, neck stiffness, and vomiting.
- Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis suggested bacterial meningitis, but standard tests (Gram stain, cultures, GeneXpert) were negative.
- The patient developed severe complications including vasculitis, cerebral infarcts, subarachnoid hemorrhage, ruptured cerebral aneurysm, and hydrocephalus.
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