Fungal meningitis affects those with weak immune systems and is contracted by inhaling spores of various fungi found in certain soils. Symptoms progress slowly and can include headache, stomach pain, and stiffness in the neck area. Treatment includes antifungal medications.
Fungal meningitis is a life-threatening disease that primarily affects people with weak immune systems, such as those suffering from cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or other diseases. It won’t spread from one person to another, unlike other forms of meningitis. It is contracted by inhaling spores of various fungi found in certain soils around the world. There is no vaccine available to prevent fungal meningitis, but if it is diagnosed early, treatment is possible.
There are several types of fungi that can cause fungal meningitis. For example, Cryptococcus, one of the major disease-causing yeasts, is found in areas where there is an abundance of bird faecal material, particularly in soils of Africa. Histoplasma is also common where there are birds, but it can also be found in areas, usually in the central part of the United States, where there are bats. Other types of fungi that can cause meningitis include Blastomyces, found where there are decaying materials in the soil, and Coccidioides, a desert fungus found in southwestern parts of the United States and sections of Mexico. Regardless of the type of fungus, a person becomes infected when he walks through the ground, disturbs the spores and inhales them.
Symptoms of fungal meningitis can progress slowly. Initial symptoms are minor and can include headache and stomach pain. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen and may include stiffness in the neck area and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, the person may hallucinate and become confused. Without the proper medications, brain damage and even death are common in many cases.
With fungal meningitis, the infection moves rapidly through the bloodstream and lodges in the spinal cord. A spinal tap, in which the fluid surrounding the spinal cord is extracted, may be done to test for disease. It can also offer insight into which of the many fungi caused the disease. Also, blood tests may be done to further confirm the cause of the disease.
Antifungal medications, such as amphotericin B or fluconazole, may be prescribed to treat fungal meningitis. Usually people receive the drugs intravenously. In some cases, drugs can be placed directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. In rare cases, oral medications may be prescribed. Sometimes, a person with the disease may need to take the drug for a long time, depending on the severity of the disease.
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