Cladophialophora bantiana

Cladophialophora bantiana

Cladophialophora bantiana

Cladophialophora bantiana is a species of fungus that belongs to the order Chaetothyriales within the class Eurotiomycetes. It is commonly known as Cladophialophora brain abscess fungus due to its association with brain abscesses in humans. This fungus is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.

Taxonomy and Classification

Cladophialophora bantiana was first described by J.W. Carmichael in 1966. It belongs to the phylum Ascomycota and the family Herpotrichiellaceae. The genus Cladophialophora comprises several species, but C. bantiana is the most clinically significant one.

Morphology

The morphology of Cladophialophora bantiana is characterized by darkly pigmented, septate hyphae. The conidiophores are erect, unbranched, and produce conidia in chains. The conidia are ellipsoidal to cylindrical in shape, with a smooth or slightly roughened surface. The colonies of C. bantiana on culture media are typically black or dark brown.

Pathogenicity

Cladophialophora bantiana is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects the central nervous system, causing brain abscesses. It is one of the most common causes of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis, a rare fungal infection of the brain. The infection usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

The fungus can enter the body through inhalation of spores or through direct inoculation into the bloodstream. Once inside the body, it can disseminate to the brain, leading to the formation of abscesses. The symptoms of Cladophialophora brain abscesses include headache, fever, neurological deficits, and seizures.

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment of Cladophialophora bantiana infections is challenging due to the limited efficacy of antifungal drugs against this fungus. Surgical intervention, such as abscess drainage or excision, is often necessary in combination with antifungal therapy. The choice of antifungal agent depends on the susceptibility profile of the isolate, as resistance to certain drugs has been reported.

The prognosis of Cladophialophora brain abscesses is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

See Also

• Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis
• Opportunistic infection
• Fungal pathogens