Multiple cerebral abscesses in a renal transplant recipient: Two swords in one scabbard!

Although rare, both Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana) and Toxoplasma gondii have been known to be associated with brain abscess in renal transplant recipients (RTRs), however co-infection has never been reported till date. In the present case, 40 years old renal transplant recipient on curtailed immunosuppressive therapy presented with progressive headache and altered sensorium. The computed tomography of head showed multiple ring-enhancing discrete lesions in the left frontal lobe, with moderate perilesional oedema. Left frontal craniotomy and aspiration revealed thick yellowish brown pus, which on culture showed the growth of dematiaceous fungal hyphae “C. bantiana” and co-infection with “Toxoplasma” was confirmed by PCR as well as serology (both IgM and IgG – Toxoplasma) positivity. Stereotactic aspiration/open craniotomy and drainage is imperative to arrive at microbiological diagnosis and provide timely therapy to the patient. Keywords: Brain abscess, Renal transplantation, Cladophialophora bantiana, Toxoplasm