Brain abscess by Cladophialophora Bantiana in immunocompetent

Cladophialophora bantiana is a soil-based neurotropic fungus, which has been implicated as a leading cause of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis because of its affinity to glial tissue. Pathogenicity is due to melanin which can scavange free radicals produced by phagocytic cells. Although the portal of entry is not clearly established, most probably it is through respiratory tract. Inhalation of spores followed by haematogenous dissemination to brain is the likely possibility. Other sources can be from paranasal sinus or direct inoculation in brain. 

Cladophialophora brain abscess was earlier common especially in immunocompromised patients and those receiving organ transplant,  however,  but as per the recent series, it is on the rise even in immunocompetent hosts.