BACKGROUND: Candida infection of the central nervous system (CNS) following neurosurgery is relatively unusual but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with this infection in adults and discuss clinical characteristics, treatment options, and outcome. METHODS: All episodes of Candida isolated from the central nervous system were identified by searching our laboratory database. Review of the cases was performed by means of a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Eleven episodes of Candida CSF infection following neurosurgery were identified over a 12-year period. Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated (n = 8, 73%). All infections were associated with foreign intracranial material, nine with external ventricular drains (82%), one with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, one with a lumbar drain, and one with Gliadel wafers (1,3-bis [2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosurea). Fluconazole or liposomal amphotericin B were the most common anti-fungal agents used. The mortality rate identified in our series was 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Candida infection following neurosurgery remains a relatively rare occurrence but one that causes significant mortality. These are complex infections, the management of which benefits from a close liaison between the clinical microbiologist and neurosurgeon. Prompt initiation of antifungal agents and removal of infected devices offers the best hope of a cure.
BACKGROUND:Candida infection of the central nervous system (CNS) following neurosurgery is relatively unusual but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with this infection in adults and discuss clinical characteristics, treatment options, and outcome. METHODS: All episodes of Candida isolated from the central nervous system were identified by searching our laboratory database. Review of the cases was performed by means of a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Eleven episodes of Candida CSF infection following neurosurgery were identified over a 12-year period. Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated (n = 8, 73%). All infections were associated with foreign intracranial material, nine with external ventricular drains (82%), one with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, one with a lumbar drain, and one with Gliadel wafers (1,3-bis [2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosurea). Fluconazole or liposomal amphotericin B were the most common anti-fungal agents used. The mortality rate identified in our series was 27%. CONCLUSIONS:Candida infection following neurosurgery remains a relatively rare occurrence but one that causes significant mortality. These are complex infections, the management of which benefits from a close liaison between the clinical microbiologist and neurosurgeon. Prompt initiation of antifungal agents and removal of infected devices offers the best hope of a cure.
Authors: Sônia M Figueiredo; Sabrina Campolina; Carlos A Rosa; Marcus Gontijo; Thelma Tirone; Claudia B Assunção; Tarcísio F A Freire; Paulo P Christo; Rachel B Caligiorne Journal: Med Mycol Case Rep Date: 2014-01-13
Authors: Peter G Pappas; Carol A Kauffman; David R Andes; Cornelius J Clancy; Kieren A Marr; Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner; Annette C Reboli; Mindy G Schuster; Jose A Vazquez; Thomas J Walsh; Theoklis E Zaoutis; Jack D Sobel Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2015-12-16 Impact factor: 9.079
Authors: M Schmidt-Hieber; G Silling; E Schalk; W Heinz; J Panse; O Penack; M Christopeit; D Buchheidt; U Meyding-Lamadé; S Hähnel; H H Wolf; M Ruhnke; S Schwartz; G Maschmeyer Journal: Ann Oncol Date: 2016-04-06 Impact factor: 32.976