Meningitis caused by Filobasidium uniguttulatum: case report and overview of the literature

Mycoses. 2012 Mar;55(2):105-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2011.02054.x. Epub 2011 Jul 6.

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, but occasionally other Cryptococcus species and phylogenetically related species are involved. Herein, we present a case of cryptococcal meningitis from China, which was caused by an azole and flucytosine resistant Filobasidium uniguttulatum. In addition, we present an overview of the literature of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus species other than C. neoformans and C. gattii. Eight cases were related to infections of the central nervous system. Leukaemia and cancer were important risk factors in HIV-negative patients. Molecular identification and susceptibility testing are important for proper management of patients because the species involved may differ in susceptibility to antifungal drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Basidiomycota*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Female
  • Flucytosine / administration & dosage
  • Flucytosine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / microbiology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycological Typing Techniques

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Flucytosine