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Disseminated Paecilomyces lilacinus infection in a patient with AIDS
Roger D Lovell1, Matthew Moll, James Allen
1Department of Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Abstract:
We describe a case of disseminated Paecilomyces lilacinus infection occurring in a patient with advanced HIV infection. P lilacinus is a ubiquitous environmental fungus that has been associated with infection in various immunocompromised hosts, in patients with invasive medical devices, and in contact-lens wearers. The clinical features, morphologic characteristics, and response to antifungal therapy in our patient are similar to findings reported in disseminated infection due to Penicillium marneffei, another opportunistic fungal infection in HIV-infected patients. We believe this to be the first report of infection with P lilacinus in a patient with AIDS.
Insights
This case report details a rare disseminated Paecilomyces lilacinus fungal infection in an advanced HIV-positive patient. The findings highlight similarities to Penicillium marneffei infections, suggesting a potential diagnostic challenge.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunocompromised Host Research
Background:
- Paecilomyces lilacinus is an environmental fungus.
- It can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals, those with medical devices, and contact lens wearers.
Observation:
- A case of disseminated Paecilomyces lilacinus infection is presented.
- The patient had advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation, morphology, and antifungal treatment response were similar to Penicillium marneffei infections.
- This is believed to be the first reported case of P. lilacinus infection in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patient.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections in HIV/AIDS.
- It underscores the importance of considering P. lilacinus in the differential diagnosis of disseminated fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Further research may be needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimal management of P. lilacinus infections in this population.