Introduction
Meningitis is the swelling of the meninges and the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. The membranes often become inflamed in response to a viral or bacterial infection. Also, certain drugs cause meningitis.
What Is Fungal Meningitis?
Fungal meningitis is very rare. In this type of meningitis, fungal organisms like yeast and mold invade the cerebral spinal fluid. Fungal meningitis is not contagious. The meningococcal vaccine can protect against the bacteria that cause meningitis and other meningococcal diseases but do not protect against fungal infection.
What Are the Causes of Fungal Meningitis?
Fungal meningitis can develop after any fungal infection that spreads from somewhere else to the spinal cord and brain. Other causes of fungal meningitis are Histoplasma, Candida, Blastomyces, Cryptococcus, and coccidiosis. The causes of fungal infection are:
Cryptococcus Newformans - It is noted that Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, and it is present in the environment that includes soil throughout the world. C. neoformans only cause meningitis in people with weak immune systems or underlying health conditions like cancer, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), diabetes, etc.
Histoplasma- It is also very common, especially in central and eastern states. It is especially common in soil with high bird or bat droppings. It does not harm people with strong immune systems, but it can cause fungal meningitis in people with weak immune systems.
Coccidioides - This fungus is present in the solid in south-central Washington state, Central and South America, Mexico, and southwestern parts of the U.S. It is also called valley fever.
Blastomyces - Blastomyces is a fungus that lives in decaying wood, damp soil, and leaves. This fungus occurs in southcentral, southeastern states of the U.S., and midwestern areas.
Candida - Candida is a fungus that lives inside the body and on the skin. It usually has no health problems but can lead to meningitis in people at high risk for this fungus infecting the internal organs or bloodstream. The people at increased risk include preterm babies along with:
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Preterm babies have a central nervous catheter.
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Those with a weakened immune system.
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Those babies that spent an extended period in ICU (intensive care unit).
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Those who have diabetes.
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Those with kidney failure.
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Those who receive IV (intravenous) nutrition.
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Those who have high levels of antibiotics in the hospital.
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Those who have undergone recent surgery or any abdominal procedures.
What Are the Risk Factors of Fungal Meningitis?
Fungal meningitis is not contagious. People get it from the fungal infection itself. Anybody can get fungal meningitis, but some risk factors make it more likely to occur. The risk factors include:
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Premature birth and low birth weight.
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Having a weak immune system because of underlying health conditions, past surgery, cancer, or HIV.
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People living in areas with a high level of fungal infection, such as areas in the U.S., can increase the risk of fungal lung infection, leading to fungal meningitis.
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People take medications like steroids, anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs, or medication after an organ transplant.
What Are the Potential Signs and Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis?
The signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis include:
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Photophobia (sensitivity towards the light).
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Stiff neck.
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Fever.
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Headache.
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Vomiting.
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Altered mental state.
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Increased sensitivity towards light.
How Is Fungal Meningitis Diagnosed?
The healthcare provider may perform a few tests for diagnosing fungal meningitis. They may take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid or blood for laboratory tests. The test can tell which type of fungus is causing the infection as this information is required so that the proper treatment can be carried out.
What Is the Treatment of Fungal Meningitis?
The type of antifungal medication depends upon the severity and type of fungus. Usually, high doses of antifungal medicines are used to treat fungal meningitis. People can also need a long course of antifungal medicines; initially, they may receive intravenous before oral medication.
To treat C. neoformans infection, the following antifungal medications can be used:
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Flucytosine.
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Amphotericin.
To treat Histoplasma infection, the following medications can be used:
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Itraconazole. People can take this medication for three to 12 months, depending upon the severity and immune system response.
To treat Blastomyces infection, the following medications can be used:
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Itraconazole is used for mild to moderate infections.
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Amphotericin B for severe conditions.
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People need antifungal treatment for six to 12 months.
To treat Coccidioides infection, the following medications can be used:
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People suffering from this type of fungal infection might need lifelong treatment.
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Fluconazole can be used.
To treat Candida infection, the following medications can be used:
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The doctors may prescribe a class of antifungal drugs called echinocandins that is given intravenously.
In every individual, the amount of time taken to treat a fungal infection may vary and depends on the severity and the type of fungus causing that infection. Those individuals with weak immune systems may need to undergo treatment for an extended period. Some people may also require maintenance therapy.
What Are the Health Effects of Meningitis?
Meningitis can cause various health issues that include:
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Hearing issues.
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Loss of balance.
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Difficulty in concentration.
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Difficulty in coordination.
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Weakness or spasms.
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Headaches.
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Vision problems.
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Speech problems.
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Memory loss.
How Can Fungal Meningitis Be Prevented?
There are no specific activities that are known to cause fungal meningitis. But there are a few methods to prevent fungal meningitis they; are:
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Use air filtration indoors.
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Clean the injuries.
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Avoid areas with a lot of dust.
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Take preventive antifungal medication if needed.
Conclusion
Fungal meningitis occurs when a fungal infection spreads from another part of the body to the brain or spinal cord. Fungal meningitis is typically a subacute or chronic condition; yet, if left untreated, it can be just as fatal as bacterial meningitis. People can recover from fungal meningitis without any permanent effects. But recovery differs in every individual. In some people, meningitis can cause permanent or temporary results.
