Fungal brain infections

Fungal brain infections
Eileen P. Scully, Lindsey R. Baden and Joel T. Katz

Purpose of review
Fungal infections of the central nervous system, once a relatively rare occurrence, are
increasingly common due to the expansion of immunocompromised populations at risk,
and therefore are important to recognize early and manage appropriately.
Recent findings
The specific infectious risk posed by novel immune-modifying therapies can, in most
cases, be predicted on the basis of the immune target and medication timing. In
addition, major advances in noninvasive diagnostic tests (e.g. serum beta glucan and
galactomannan assays), and the recent introduction of more effective antifungal
therapies, have led to a dramatic improvement in clinical outcomes.
Summary
The current review provides approaches to patients with suspected central nervous
system fungal infections based on host-risk factors, clinical syndromes and specific
pathogens.
Keywords
aspergillus, candida, central nervous system, fungi, mycoses