[Aspergillosis of the brain].

A case of aspergillosis of the brain in a 49-year old woman is described. In view of the fact that there were no inflammatory changes in other organs, the assumption was put forward that the fungus had penetrated into the brain by the otogenic way, or through the accessory nasal sinuses. The results of experimental infection of laboratory animals aimed at obtaining a model of meningoencephalitis are discussed. It was shown that spores of the Aspergillus fumigatus fungus in low concentrations introduced into the otic veins penetrated into the lungs where they caused an inflammatory process, and then hematogenically entered the brain. The changes in the latter were characterised by endo- and perivasculitis, formation of numerous microabscesses with the presence therein of threads of the fungus mycelium.