Q:
What’s to know about cryptococcal meningitis?
A:
Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the outer part of the brain or spinal cord. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the type of meningitis caused by two kinds of fungus, namely Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans.
The disease usually occurs when a person’s immune system is affected. So people living with AIDS are likely to catch it.
Symptoms:
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Personality changes
More severe symptoms will appear if a patient doesn’t receive treatment soon enough. They include:
- Coma
- Hearing loss
- Brain damage
Causes:
The disease is caused by Cryptococcus gattii or Cryptococcus neoformans. Cryptococcus gattii is often found around the base of eucalyptus trees. Cryptococcus neoformans usually grows in soil with bird droppings.
Treatment:
You use antifungal medicines to cure CM, such as amphotericin B. At the same time, your doctor may also prescribe flucytosine for you. That shortens your recovery period.
Keyword: cryptococcal meningitis
