Fungal meningitis is a rare infection caused by fungi that leads to inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness.
Fungal meningitis is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment. It is most commonly caused by fungi from the Cryptococcus species, which are found in soil, bird droppings, and decaying wood.
Diagnosis is confirmed with tests like blood work, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and imaging studies, while treatment usually involves intravenous (IV) antifungal medications given in a hospital. Although it is not spread from person to person, fungal meningitis can lead to serious complications like seizures, brain damage, or death if not treated properly.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of fungal meningitis are:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain when moving the neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Hallucinations
- Altered level of consciousness
In some cases, meningitis that is not adequately treated can lead to complications like seizures, brain damage, or even death.
Online symptom test
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Possible causes
Fungal meningitis typically develops after a fungal infection goes untreated. The fungi can spread through the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and reach the brain and spinal cord.
Although rare, this condition is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, receiving cancer treatment, or taking medications like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, according to the CDC.
Generally, the fungi that cause fungal meningitis belong to the Cryptococcus species. This fungus is found in soil, bird droppings, and rotting wood. Other fungi that can also cause fungal meningitis include Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, and Candida species.
Confirming a diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed using blood tests, CSF analysis, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI, which can help detect inflammation around the brain.
Is fungal meningitis contagious?
Fungal meningitis is not spread from person to person. Instead, it occurs when fungal spores in the environment are inhaled.
Based on information from the CDC, in rare cases, fungal meningitis can also result from exposure to contaminated medical equipment or improperly handled contaminated medication.
Treatment options
Treatment for fungal meningitis should be guided by an infectious disease specialist, and typically involves IV antifungals like amphotericin V, fluconazole, flucytosine or itraconazole.
These should be administered in a hospital setting so the patient’s symptoms and response to treatment can be closely monitored.