Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Meningitis due to a combined infection with Cryptococcus neoformans and Streptococcus pneumoniae in an AIDS patient

M A John1, Y Coovadia

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Natal Medical School, Durban, South Africa.

The Journal of Infection
|November 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

This is the first reported case of dual Cryptococcus neoformans and Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in cerebrospinal fluid of an AIDS patient. Early diagnosis is crucial in immunocompromised individuals, even with normal CSF parameters.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is critical for diagnosing central nervous system infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with AIDS presented with a rare dual infection in their CSF.
  • The infection involved both Cryptococcus neoformans and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Findings:

  • This dual infection case is the first documented in English medical literature.
  • Standard CSF biochemical and cellular parameters were normal, highlighting diagnostic challenges.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnostic testing in immunocompromised patients.
  • Recommends Gram stain, India ink stain, and cryptococcal antigen testing for all CSF specimens in this population.
Keywords:
Acquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaBiologyCase StudiesCentral Nervous SystemCentral Nervous System EffectsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEnglish Speaking AfricaHiv InfectionsInfectionsPhysiologyResearch MethodologyResearch ReportSigns And SymptomsSouth AfricaSouthern AfricaStudiesViral Diseases

More Related Videos

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases03:22

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases

Published on: March 1, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...