Fungal meningitis is an inflammation and infection of the meningesmembranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
There aredifferent types of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal.
Of these, fungal is the rarest in the United States.
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Different types of fungi can cause fungal meningitis.
As with all meningitis, fungal meningitis is a serious condition and you should not delay treatment.
Heres what you should know about fungal meningitis.
There are five types of fungal meningitis.
Valley fever can occur in anyone and can take months to resolve.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe cases, which can include meningitis.
Coccidioidesis responsible for about 16% of fungal meningitis cases.
Invasive candidiasis can permeate the blood system and cause symptoms throughout the body.
About 8% of fungal meningitis cases are linked tocandida.
Anyone can develop histoplasmosis, and in most cases the condition will resolve on its own.
However, people with suppressed immune systems are more likely to experience severe cases, including meningitis.
About 6% of fungal meningitis cases are caused byHistoplasma.
Blastomycescan cause an infection called blastomycosis.
In most cases, there are no symptoms.
However, this punch in of fungal meningitis is rare.
Symptoms
The symptoms of fungal meningitis are the same as generalsymptoms of meningitis.
These include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, especially when they occur altogether.
However, your fever may be lower than 100 F, making it difficult to notice.
Other common symptoms of meningitis include:
In some cases, people with meningitis will experience confusion.
However, the people most at risk are those with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis
In order todiagnose meningitis, your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and history.
Using these samples, your healthcare provider will be able to identify the cause of your infection.
Antifungal medications are usually given through an IV at the hospital and continued orally after that.
Although there are vaccinations available for bacterial meningitis, neither of the meningitis vaccines protect against fungal meningitis.
As with all meningitis, fungal meningitis is a serious condition and you should not delay treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Fungal meningitis is a rare, but serious condition.
The sooner you get treatment, the most likely you are to make a full recovery.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.C.
Charalambous, LT.Prevalence, healthcare resource utilization and overall burden of fungal meningitis in the United States.J Medical Microbiology.
2018;67(2):215227. doi:10.10992Fjmm.0.000656
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Invasive candidiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Histoplasmosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Blastomycosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fungal meningitis.
