UCSF

Chronic meningitis of unknown etiology is a vexing illness for patients and clinicians. Identification of the correct pathogen can be challenging and time consuming, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. Although Sporothrix schenckii is a recognized and treatable cause of chronic meningitis, neurologists and infectious diseases physicians may not regularly evaluate for Sporothrix infection. We describe an immunocompetent patient with chronic meningitis who partially responded to empiric fluconazole. Prompted by a recent culture-confirmed case of meningeal sporotrichosis, we tested for S schenckii antibodies from the cerebrospinal fluid, which were positive. His clinical and functional status improved, and the S schenckii antibody titer decreased with itraconazole therapy. Clinicians should consider S schenckii in the differential diagnosis for chronic meningitis, even in immunocompetent patients, particularly when the clinical picture does not respond to standard empiric therapy.