A woman's splitting headache was actually related to her daily trips to the vegetable market! Doctors: This type of disease has a very high mortality rate

Aunt Mei (pseudonym), 51 years old, from Heyuan, Guangdong, has been visiting doctors frequently because of severe headaches. She needs to take six painkillers every day, but the pain is still unbearable. At first, both Aunt Mei and the doctor mistakenly thought that the headaches were caused by cervical spondylosis, but after a detailed examination, the truth was shocking - she had cryptococcal meningitis, and all this was related to her daily contact with poultry when she went to the vegetable market.

Aunt Mei's headache symptoms are not an isolated case. Cryptococcal meningitis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by Cryptococcus fungi, which are widely present in the natural environment, especially in birds, poultry and soil, especially in pigeon droppings. Aunt Mei may have contracted the disease by inhaling air containing cryptococcal spores.

Cryptococcus is transmitted to humans mainly through the following routes:

1. Inhalation of spores in the air: This is the main route of infection, especially inhalation of air containing Cryptococcal spores.

2. Inoculation of skin wounds: When damaged skin comes into contact with an environment containing Cryptococcus, infection may occur.

3. Gastrointestinal transmission: Although relatively rare, infection may also occur by ingesting food or water contaminated with Cryptococcus.

Symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis are similar to those of other meningitis and include:

1. Fever: Most patients will experience low-grade fever, with body temperature generally below 39°C.

2. Headache: It is usually the first symptom to appear, and may be located in the forehead, bilateral temporal region, occipital region or behind the eye sockets, and is usually a swollen or dull pain.

3. Neck stiffness: caused by increased intracranial pressure.

4. Blurred vision, photophobia, and decreased vision: may be related to direct damage to the optic nerve caused by Cryptococcus.

Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis relies primarily on antifungal drugs:

1. Fluconazole: For mild to moderate pulmonary cryptococcosis, if the cerebrospinal fluid examination is normal, 400 mg of fluconazole can be taken orally daily for 6 to 12 months.

2. Liposomal amphotericin B combined with flucytosine: For meningitis or other serious infections, liposomal amphotericin B combined with flucytosine is used first, followed by fluconazole.

3. Maintenance treatment: Almost all patients with cryptococcosis associated with AIDS require maintenance antifungal treatment until CD4 reaches the normal value of 500~1600/mm3.

The key to preventing cryptococcal meningitis is to reduce the risk of infection and improve the body's immunity:

1. Reduce contact: Avoid contact with birds, poultry and soil, especially pigeon droppings.

2. Health care: Pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid eating rotten or spoiled food.

3. Enhance immunity: eat a balanced diet, exercise appropriately, and avoid long-term use of antibiotics and immunosuppressants.

4. Control underlying diseases: For patients with diabetes, AIDS, etc., the condition should be strictly controlled to reduce the risk of infection.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system that requires adequate attention. By understanding its transmission, symptoms, treatment and prevention measures, we can better protect ourselves and our families from it. Everyone should raise awareness of this type of disease, take effective preventive measures, and seek medical attention in time if symptoms are found to avoid delaying treatment.

(Note: This article is a health science article, which aims to popularize the knowledge about cryptococcal meningitis and antifungal drugs. In actual application, please follow the doctor's advice and carry out personalized treatment.)