Safic-Alcan extends distribution agreement with PMC Organometallix

Abstract

A fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection develops after it spreads from somewhere else in the body to the brain or spinal cord. Fungal CNS infection is associated with immune system impairment, some health conditions including the use of the medications (e.g., steroids), surgical procedures, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, organ transplantation, end stage renal disease on hemodialysis, status post chemotherapy, neutropenia, and pre-term babies. Fungi involved in brain infection include yeasts such as Cryptococcus sp., Candida sp., and Trichosporon spp.; Moniliaceous molds including Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Scedosporium sp., Mucoromycetes such as Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp., dimorphic fungi including Blastomyces sp., Coccidioides spp. and Histoplasma sp., and dematiaceous fungi such as Cladophialophora sp. and Exophiala sp. In this article, we will focus on the fungal meningitis and encephalitis. We will also explain fungal invasion mechanisms, the CNS immune response to the fungal infection, and clinical consequences.