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Microascus cinereus (Anamorph scopulariopsis) brain abscess in a bone marrow transplant recipient

J W Baddley1, S A Moser, D A Sutton

  • 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. jbaddley@uabid.dom.uab.edu

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|January 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study documents the first brain abscess caused by the fungus Microascus cinereus in a bone marrow transplant patient. While treatment was initially successful, the patient succumbed to graft-versus-host disease complications.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Fungal brain abscesses are rare but serious infections.
  • Dematiaceous fungi, like Microascus cinereus, are typically found in soil and grain.
  • Immunocompromised patients, such as bone marrow transplant recipients, are at higher risk for opportunistic fungal infections.

Observation:

  • A case of brain abscess was identified in a bone marrow transplant recipient.
  • The causative agent was isolated and identified as Microascus cinereus.
  • The patient presented with neurological symptoms indicative of a brain abscess.

Findings:

  • This is the first documented case of a brain abscess caused by Microascus cinereus.
  • The patient received a combination of antifungal medications (amphotericin B lipid complex, itraconazole) and surgical intervention (craniotomy).
  • Initial response to treatment was positive, with improvement in abscess symptoms.

Implications:

  • Microascus cinereus should be considered as a potential pathogen in brain abscesses, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Aggressive treatment including antifungal therapy and surgical debridement may be effective in managing such infections.
  • Secondary complications, such as graft-versus-host disease, can significantly impact patient outcomes despite successful management of the primary infection.

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