Cladophialophora bantiana brain infections on the rise

Researchers from the University of Washington and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a notable increase in cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a deadly mold that attacks the brain. According to a study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, there has been a rise in detected cases over the last decade, with a particular increase observed since 2023.

Unlike most severe fungal infections that primarily affect immunocompromised individuals, C. bantiana is an anomaly that can infect apparently healthy people. Approximately half of the infections occur in individuals with healthy immune systems. Once inside the body, the fungus tends to target the brain, often causing abscesses.

The infection is highly lethal, with mortality rates estimated between 60% and 70% even when medical treatment is administered. Scientists noted that the exact reasons for the apparent increase in cases, as well as the true prevalence and specific mechanisms of infection, remain unknown.