A 32-year-old female who was previously healthy is brought t…
A 32-year-old female who was previously healthy is brought to the emergency department by her concerned fiance who states that she is acting very abnormally. He states that over the past day she has developed a fever, become progressively more confused, and is “just not acting like herself.” On exam, she exhibits altered mental status. Initial vital signs: T: 102.2F, HR: 102 bpm, BP: 130/90 mmHg, RR: 12/min, and pulse ox (room air): 100%. The emergency physician obtains a lumbar puncture which demonstrates the following CSF analysis: normal opening pressure, elevated lymphocyte count, elevated protein, elevated RBCs, and normal glucose. An MRI is obtained to confirm the diagnosis and is illustrated (see image). Which of the following organisms is most likely responsible for this patient’s presentation?