Saving the life of a patient with rare meningitis caused by a fungal infection found in bird droppings

The patient had meningitis caused by Cryptococcus - a fungus that commonly exists in the natural environment but only causes disease in people with weakened immune systems.

On the afternoon of May 16, the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that the hospital's doctors had just saved the life of a patient with a very rare and critical form of meningitis caused by a fungal infection.

The patient, Mr. V.D.P. (42 years old, from Ha Tinh ), was admitted to the hospital with a prolonged high fever, severe headache, vomiting and impaired consciousness. Notably, this male patient had a history of alcoholism for many years.

Initially, the patient was treated at the provincial level with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, but his health condition did not improve but became worse, so he was transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases in critical condition, in a deep coma and on a ventilator.

Doctor of Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases examines patient V.D.P.

At the Emergency Department of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the patient underwent a spinal tap and specialized testing. The results showed that the patient had meningitis caused by Cryptococcus - a fungus that commonly exists in the natural environment but only causes disease in people with weakened immune systems.

According to Dr. Nguyen Kim Anh, fungal meningitis is a rare disease, easily misdiagnosed and has a poor prognosis if not detected early. Immediately after identifying the causative agent, the patient was treated with specific antifungal drugs and closely monitored. After 10 days, the patient is now alert, has no fever and no headache.

Cryptococcus fungi are commonly found in pigeon droppings and moldy soil. Fungal meningitis can be easily confused with the flu, viral fever or tuberculous meningitis. Therefore, anyone with symptoms such as prolonged fever, persistent headache, impaired consciousness, especially if they have underlying diseases, should seek medical attention early.

NGUYEN QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cuu-song-benh-nhan-bi-viem-mang-nao-hiem-gap-do-nhiem-nam-co-trong-phan-chim-post795559.html