Mixed Bacterial and Fungal Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Nigerian Child: A Case Report

Abstract

A bstract Bacterial meningitis is common and may lead to long-term complications or death. It is usually acute in presentation and may involve more than one bacterial organism. Fungal meningitis is an opportunistic infection, that is, rare outside immunocompromised hosts. The occurrence of the two types simultaneously in an individual is a rare occurrence, especially in immunocompetent persons. We report a case of mixed bacterial and fungal meningitis in an immunocompetent 11-year-old Nigerian male who was apparently well, before the onset of symptoms. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were in keeping with mixed bacterial and fungal meningitis, and treatment with intravenous and oral anti-fungal with broad-spectrum antibiotics resulted in marked clinical improvement. The patient is currently being followed up and has demonstrated no sequelae. This case report is intended to highlight the possibility of encountering coexisting bacterial and fungal meningitis in an immunocompetent individual.