A rare mold that can cause brain abscesses is turning up more often in U.S. patient samples. Detections of Cladophialophora bantiana at a University of Washington reference laboratory increased about fourfold from 2023 to 2025, according to a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published online Oct. 2.
The numbers are still small, but the infection is serious. The report describes the fungus as a highly virulent mold that targets the nervous system and notes a 60% to 70% case-fatality rate even with aggressive therapy. About half of patients with this infection have no prior condition that weakens the immune system.
