What is fungal meningitis?
Fungal meningitis is an infection of the meninges which are protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord that is caused by fungus.
What causes fungal meningitis?
Fungal meningitis is caused by fungus spreading to and infecting the meninges. Several different types of fungus can cause meningitis including:
- Cryptococcus neoformans – This is the most common cause of fungal meningitis and can be found in the environment everywhere in the world.
- Candida albicans – This causes thrush but in rare cases it can also cause fungal meningitis especially in premature babies that have low birth weights.
- Histoplasma – This is common and usually harmless but it can cause fungal meningitis in people who have deficiencies of their immune systems.
What are the symptoms of fungal meningitis?
The symptoms of fungal meningitis can differ depending on the age of the person affected.
Common signs and symptoms for all children and adults include:
- A fever with cold hands and feet
- Being sick
- Drowsy and difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
- A severe headache
- A stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Seizures.
Babies and toddlers may also experience the above signs and symptom in addition to:
- Refusing food
- A dislike of being handled
- Rapid breathing
- An unusual cry
- The soft spot on their head (the fontanelle) being tense or bulging.
