Brandi Glanville battles infections, surgery to remove fungal ball

**Brandi Glanville Announces Complex Diagnosis and Upcoming Facial Surgery**

In a raw Instagram post on Tuesday, *Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* alum Brandi Glanville revealed a cascade of medical conditions that have plagued her for years.

The 53‑year‑old announced that she has been diagnosed with highly resistant ESBL Klebsiella and Enterobacter with biofilm, Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), Demodex dermatitis, and mononucleosis.

She added that a fungal ball in her face, metal from old dental work, and breast implants also need removal before she can start a projected 4‑to‑6 month IV treatment regimen.

Glanville described the journey as “not easy” and noted “very little improvement” so far. She explained that each month of treatment could cost between $3,300 and $6,000 and that she is currently unable to work beyond her podcast.

The star’s candid confession underscores the toll the health crisis has taken on both her mental and financial wellbeing.

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## Background & Context

Brandi first rose to national attention in 2011 as a cast member of *RHOBH*, where her bold personality and unapologetic style quickly earned her a devoted fan base. Throughout her reality‑TV career, she has been relatively private about personal health issues—until she began documenting her struggles on social media in late 2023.

A series of videos showed a hard lump on the side of her face and severe facial disfigurement, sparking concern among followers who had followed her journey from the show’s early seasons.

Earlier this year, Brandi released an ultrasound clip in which her medical team “saw something alive” and “moving” in her face, fueling speculation about a possible parasite.

In 2024, she suggested that stress‑induced issues and ruptured breast implants contributed to her condition, while her team maintained that a parasite was “jumping around” her face.

In June of the same year, she confirmed a benign facial tumor diagnosis after spending six figures on medical care—an investment that did not resolve the underlying complications.

Her updates highlight a long history of invasive treatments, including daily 18‑hour IV infusions that disrupt sleep, eating habits, and everyday activities. The sheer intensity of these protocols has made her question whether she can continue in the public eye without compromising her health further.

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## The Medical Landscape

The combination of infections Brandi is battling is rare and difficult to treat. ESBL Klebsiella and Enterobacter are strains of bacteria that produce enzymes making them resistant to many antibiotics, while the biofilm formation further shields them from the immune system.

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States that can cause chronic lung disease and, in rare cases, disseminate to other organs.

Demodex dermatitis stems from an overgrowth of microscopic mites that live on skin follicles, often exacerbated by stress and hormonal changes. Finally, mononucleosis—typically caused by the Epstein‑Barr virus—can linger for months, contributing to fatigue and a compromised immune response.

Adding these systemic issues to a fungal ball in the face and metal from old dental work creates a complex medical puzzle that requires a multidisciplinary approach.

The upcoming surgeries will aim to physically remove the sources of infection, after which she will undergo intensive IV therapy with antibiotics tailored to her specific bacterial profile. The treatment’s high cost—estimated at $3,300 to $6,000 .

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## Fan Reaction & Community Support

The reaction from Brandi’s fan community has been overwhelmingly supportive. In the comments section of her Instagram post, dozens of fans expressed solidarity, with many referencing memories from *RHOBH* and thanking her for her honesty.

One fan wrote, “You’ve always been brave—now you’re brave enough to show us the real side of life.” Another shared a story about how Brandi’s openness had helped them understand their own health challenges, saying, “Seeing you fight this has reminded me to keep my own doctors in check.”

Social media also became a platform for health professionals who offered advice and resources. A dermatologist shared guidelines for managing Demodex dermatitis, while an infectious disease specialist posted a short video explaining the importance of biofilm‑targeting antibiotics.

Though the comments are often emotional, they collectively paint a picture of a community rallying around a beloved reality‑TV icon.

The call for empathy in her post—“please be nice in the comments”—resonated deeply. It highlighted the emotional strain that accompanies chronic illness and the need for mental health support alongside physical treatment.

Brandi’s transparency has sparked conversations about the pressures of living in the public eye and the hidden toll that fame can take on personal wellbeing.

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## Industry Impact

Brandi Glanville’s open discussion of her health struggles has ripple effects beyond her personal story. In an era where reality TV personalities often serve as cultural touchstones, her willingness to share a vulnerable narrative sets a precedent for other celebrities.

By revealing the specifics of her diagnosis and the financial strain of treatment, she has drawn attention to the often‑overlooked costs of chronic illness—costs that extend into career sustainability.

Her case also underscores the growing role of social media in shaping public discourse about health. Fans are no longer passive observers; they engage in real‑time support and information exchange.

This shift has pressured the entertainment industry to consider more holistic support systems for cast members, especially as shows often rely on their participants’ willingness to share personal experiences to boost ratings.

Additionally, Brandi’s story has contributed to broader conversations about the intersection of beauty standards and medical necessity.

The decision to remove breast implants, a staple of many reality‑TV appearances, was a stark reminder that health must take priority over image—a narrative that has inspired other celebrities to reevaluate their own cosmetic choices.

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## What Happens Next

The next steps in Brandi’s treatment plan involve several surgical procedures: removal of a fungal ball from her face, extraction of metal from old dental work, and removal of breast implants.

Following these operations, she anticipates a 4‑to‑6 month course of daily IV infusions aimed at addressing the resistant bacterial infections and other systemic conditions. The high cost of treatment and uncertain recovery timeline have left her uncertain about future employment beyond her podcasting commitments.

Her announcement marks a significant turning point in her public battle with health issues. As she prepares for surgery, Brandi has expressed a desire to reclaim both her physical well‑being and sense of normalcy.

Her story continues to unfold as she navigates the challenges of complex medical care and the emotional toll that accompanies it, reminding us all that even those in the spotlight must confront their own vulnerabilities.