Nervous System- Infection & Inflammation I
Question No. 8. The Answer is: (D)
Discussion: Pseudoallescheria boydii is an ubiquitous fungus that is found in soil and contamination with a world wide distribution. This fungus is formerly known as Petriellidium boydii and Allescheria boydii. Infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is rare. An increased incidence is associated with compromised immunity. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, liver cirrhosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis are also known risk factors. In immunocompetent patients, water immersion, near drowning, and aspiration of freshwater and manure are risk factors for CNS infection. Pneumonia caused by this fungus probably serves as the nidus for CNS infections. Brain abscess, sometimes multiple, is the most common pathologic changes in the CNS. At a brief glance, the morphology may suggest aspergillus but the hyphae of Pseudoallescheria boydiiare are thinner and have less frequent dicotomous branching. The hyphae of Pseudoallescheria boydii contain septae and bulging enlargements which give the appearance of strings of balloons.