Candida meningitis in patients with CSF shunts.

Two adult patients with CSF shunts contracted Candida albicans meningitis. In both patients, these infections were either preceded by or occurred simultaneously with bacterial meningitis. Treatment with antimicrobials alone failed to sterilize the CSF. Cure was obtained only after removal of the shunt tubes. The simultaneous or subsequent development of Candida meningitis should be considered in selected patients who do not make appropriate recovery from a bacterial meningitis, especially one that complicates shunt placement.