Anyone can get Fungal Meningitis. But, immunocompromised people are more likely to get it. In fungal meningitis, the fungus spread through blood to the spinal cord. The most common cause of fungal meningitis is Cryptococcus. It is called Cryptococcal meningitis.
Another important question is- How is fungal meningitis spread or How is fungal meningitis transmitted? Fungal meningitis can develop after a fungus spreads through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body, as a result of the fungus being introduced directly into the central nervous system. Fungal meningitis may also develop when fungus spread from an infected body site infection next to the central nervous system. Different types of fungus are transmitted in several ways.
But, why has fungal meningitis outbreak 2012 occurred in the US? The reason is different.
Get answers to all questions from here- Fungal Meningitis: Frequently Asked Questions
But, why has fungal meningitis outbreak 2012 occurred in the US? The reason is different.
Get answers to all questions from here- Fungal Meningitis: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get Fungal Meningitis
The soil around the world contains Cryptococcus. It is thought to be acquired through inhaling soil contaminated with bird droppings.
Environments with heavy contamination of bird or bat droppings may contain Histoplasma. It is common in the Midwest near the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
Coccidioides is found in the soil of endemic areas such as Southwestern US and parts of Central and South America.
Blastomyces may be found in soil rich in decaying organic matter. It is common in the Midwest United States, particularly the northern Midwest.
When these environments are disturbed, the fungal spores can be inhaled. This fungal infection causes meningitis spreading to the spinal cord. Candida is usually acquired in a hospital setting.
There may also be other fungal meningitis causes. You may also get fungal meningitis for taking some medications which weaken your immune system. CDC mentioned some medications as examples. They are - medications include steroids, medications given after organ transplantation, or anti-TNF medications, which are sometimes given for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.
Certain surgical procedures may weaken your immune system and you may get fungal meningitis.
The severity of illness and the treatment differ depending on the cause of meningitis. So, knowing the specific cause of meningitis is important.
This disease is one of the most common causes of adult meningitis in Africa.
Fungal meningitis is not contagious. It doesn’t spread from person to person contact. The source of the fungus has not yet been discovered yet.
Premature babies with very low birth weights and pregnant women in the third trimester also at increased risk of getting the infection.
See also- Fungal Meningitis Symptoms