Fungal infection of the central nervous system: Autopsy analysis of six cases

Abstract

Fungal infections of the central nervous system are fatal and rare clinical entities observable in immunosuppressed patients from varying causes. They carry higher risks of morbidities and mortality as compared to viral, bacterial or parasitic central nervous system infections. This study describes clinicopathological description of the central nervous system fungal infections with antemortem diagnostic challenges. This is a 9-year retrospective study of six cases composed of three females and three males with a mean age of 29.3 years. All six decedents presented with signs of meningeal irritation. They all suffered from immunodeficiency of varying causes. The gross and microscopic features revealed cryptococcosis, candidiasis and mucormycosis as the cause of the central nervous system infection. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment are of paramount importance in improving the overall survival of patients with central nervous system mycosis. A few autopsy cases with fungal infection of the central nervous system have been described; therefore, more autopsies studies are needed to re-enforce on the existing epidemiology of these fatal infections. Moreover, this will assist in further elucidating the varying gross features and tissue reaction patterns associated with them.