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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:08
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens
Published on: April 17, 2026
Central Nervous System Fungal Infections in Pakistan: A Narrative Review and Descriptive Synthesis
Fiza Ismail1, Farah Ismail1, Joshua Jamil2
1Medicine, Continental Medical College, Lahore, PAK.
Cureus
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are serious, often presenting with vague symptoms. Combined medical and surgical treatment improves outcomes, but high mortality underscores the need for earlier diagnosis in Pakistan.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections pose a significant global health threat, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
- These infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the spectrum of CNS fungal infections in Pakistan.
- To analyze patient demographics, clinical presentations, causative pathogens, management strategies, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of 14 studies with histologically confirmed CNS fungal infections.
- Inclusion of data from 140 patients diagnosed with CNS fungal infections in Pakistan.
Main Results:
- Headache, visual disturbances, and limb weakness were the most common symptoms.
- Aspergillus and Mucorales were the most frequent fungal pathogens identified.
- Combined medical and surgical management improved outcomes but mortality remained high (36.28%), compared to medical therapy alone (65.38% mortality).
Conclusions:
- CNS fungal infections in Pakistan often present with non-specific symptoms, complicating early diagnosis.
- Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity.
- Multimodal management, including combined medical and surgical approaches, is standard, yet high mortality necessitates improved diagnostic strategies and timely intervention.
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