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Pseudallescheria: an underdiagnosed fungus?
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA. walts@cshs.org
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|September 6, 2001
Summary
Pseudallescheria, an emerging fungal infection, is often misdiagnosed as Aspergillus. Early cytologic recognition is crucial as Pseudallescheria resists standard antifungal treatments like amphotericin B.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Cytopathology
Background:
- Pseudallescheria is an emerging fungal pathogen causing significant mycoses.
- It is frequently misidentified as Aspergillus in clinical settings.
- Effective treatment is hindered by its resistance to amphotericin B.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of Pseudallescheria recognition in cytology.
- To present diagnostic features of Pseudallescheria in cytologic specimens.
- To differentiate Pseudallescheria from commonly confused fungi like Aspergillus.
Main Methods:
- Review of cytologic materials containing Pseudallescheria.
- Microscopic examination and comparison with Aspergillus.
- Analysis of clinical and mycological data.
Main Results:
- Pseudallescheria presents distinct cytologic features.
- Misdiagnosis as Aspergillus is common due to morphological similarities.
- Amphotericin B is ineffective against Pseudallescheria infections.
Conclusions:
- Accurate cytologic identification of Pseudallescheria is critical for appropriate patient management.
- Awareness of diagnostic criteria can prevent treatment failure.
- Further research into Pseudallescheria diagnostics and therapeutics is warranted.