Candida infection of cerebrospinal fluid shunt devices: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Use of CSF shunt devices is a common practice in neurosurgery, and infectio n of the shunt is the most frequent complication. In spite of the fact that bacteria are the most widely implicated pathogens, reports of fungal infec tions, especially due to Candida sg., have increased in recent years. Their reported frequency ranges between 6% and 17%. Many factors have been impli cated in the pathogenesis of Candida meningitis, such as broad spectrum ant ibiotics used in the treatment of a bacterial meningitis, steroids and indw elling bladder and intravenous catheters. The treatment of Candida meningit is still consists of systemic antifungal agents and removal of the shunt.