Candida parapsilosis meningitis in a patient with AIDS. Report of a case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Candida parapsilosis is an important species in the genus Candida that plays a significant role in hospitalized patients with nosocomial infections. In patients with HIV infection or AIDS, central nervous system involvement by Candida species is exceptional. CASE REPORT: Here we report a case of an acute meningoencephalitis due to C. parapsilosis in an adult patient with AIDS. We describe the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis methods, antifungal therapy and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: C. parapsilosis is uncommonly reported as a cause of meningitis in AIDS patients. A higher index of suspicion and culture is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of candidal meningoencephalitis.