Fungal Meningitis

Although anyone can get fungal meningitis, it is rare in the United States and far more common in places like sub-Saharan Africa. Patients with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are at a greater risk of contracting fungal meningitis, which is most commonly caused by Cryptococcus. This is one of the most common causes of adult meningitis in Africa, although this type of meningitis is not contagious.

Fungal meningitis develops after a fungus is introduced into the bloodstream and travels to the central nervous system (CNS). You also can develop fungal meningitis after taking medications that weaken the immune system, such as steroids or medications given after organ transplantation, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.

Fungal meningitis is treated with a long course of high-dose antifungal medications, typically in IV form.

Parasitic Meningitis

According to a PBS special on the subject, primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is an incredibly rare form of meningitis that causes a fatal brain infection. This diseases is caused by the microscopic ameba (a single-celled living organism) called Naegleria fowleri. This parasite enters the body through the nose, typically when people swim in bodies of fresh water in warm places, like lakes and rivers. While there is very little data about the true risks of contracting PAM, only about eight infections are reported each year out of hundreds of millions of visits to swimming venues that fit the criteria to host this amoeba.