Fatal Candida meningitis in a previously healthy adult

A rare case of fatal Candida albicans meningitis in a healthy middle-aged woman is reported. The organism did not grow in four of the six cerebrospinal fluid cultures despite clinical meningo-encephalitic symptoms and clear cell reaction in cerebrospinal fluid. Death was unexpected with a generalised tonic-clonic seizure and cardiac arrest. A possible relationship between the coexistent long-standing intra-uterine contraceptive device and Candida meningitis is discussed.