Ongoing Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Associated with Epidural Anesthesia

Ten confirmed cases of meningitis caused by Fusarium solani were identified in the U.S. and linked to a clinic in Matamoros, Mexico.

In May 2023, the CDC learned of two cases of suspected fungal meningitis in Texas associated with epidural anesthesia performed at two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico (NEJM JW Infect Dis Jun 23 2023 and CDC 2023 Jun 1; [e-pub]). As of July 7, 2023, a total of 185 U.S. cases (including 10 confirmed, 10 probable, and 11 possible) had been identified in 22 states. Eight patients have died.

Patients presented with headache, photophobia, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, and altered mental status a mean 22 days after their procedure. Mean CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) 1,3-β-d-glucan (BDG) was 454 pg/mL (range, 51–500 pg/mL). Metagenomic analysis of CSF samples from nine patients identified F. solani complex. All CSF cultures were negative, but one tissue…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Ongoing Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Associated with Epidural Anesthesia

Topics

Reviewing Author