ABSTRACT
Cladophialophora bantiana is one of the few neurotropic fungi which causes CNS infections in immunocompetant hosts. Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by this fungus is one of the most difficult conditions to treat due to its poor prognosis and difficulty in management. Thermo-tolerance and multiple functions of melanin produced by this fungus is responsible for its role as pathogen in immunocompetent hosts. Early recognition and excision of lesion with antifungal therapy are required in the management of this condition. Culture and histopathology aid in the diagnosis. Research to find out a novel cost effective fungicidal agent against C. bantiana is the need of the day.
ABSTRACT
Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis (CP) is a very rare but serious form of central nervous system fungal infection that is caused by dematiaceous fungi. It is commonly associated with poor prognosis irrespective of the immune status of the patient. In this study, the authors describe the first case of CP in Korea that occurred in a 75-year-old man without immunodeficiency and showed favorable outcome after surgical excision and antifungal therapy. In addition, the authors herein review the literature regarding characteristics of this rare clinical entity with previously reported cases.