Detection of fungi in cerebrospinal fluid.

With the exception of Cryptococcus neoformans, fungi are rarely detected in cerebrospinal fluid obtained from patients having or suspected of having fungal meningitis. A review of the literature reveals that several fungi have been either isolated, observed, or both in cerebrospinal fluid specimens. These fungi include Acremonium species, Aspergillus amstelodami, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. oryzae, A. terreus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. viswanathii, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus albidus, C. neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Paecilomyces variotii, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Pseudallescheria boydii, Schizophyllum species, and Sporothrix schenckii. Laboratory findings for cerebrospinal fluid specimens obtained from such patients and clinical presentations are summarized.