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Invasive infections caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus and Scedosporium spp

E Bouza1, P Muñoz

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y E. Infecciosas, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain. ebouza@microb.net

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|January 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Emerging fungal pathogens like Blastoschizomyces capitatus and Scedosporium species cause severe infections in neutropenic patients. Voriconazole shows promising in-vitro activity and is the preferred treatment for these difficult-to-treat fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Blastoschizomyces capitatus, Scedosporium prolificans, and S. apiospermum are increasingly recognized as significant fungal pathogens.
  • These fungi can lead to disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as neutropenic patients.
  • Clinical presentation often includes persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics and broad-spectrum antifungals, with potential multi-organ involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the clinical significance of Blastoschizomyces capitatus and Scedosporium species as emerging fungal pathogens.
  • To discuss the challenges in treating infections caused by these fungi, including their resistance to conventional antifungal agents.
  • To evaluate the role of voriconazole as a potential treatment option.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical cases and in-vitro susceptibility data for Blastoschizomyces capitatus, Scedosporium prolificans, and S. apiospermum.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes in neutropenic patients with disseminated infections caused by these fungi.
  • Assessment of voriconazole's in-vitro activity against these pathogens.

Main Results:

  • These fungal pathogens are frequently isolated from blood cultures.
  • Infections caused by these fungi are often characterized by resistance to multiple antifungal agents.
  • Recovery from neutropenia is a critical factor for patient survival.
  • Voriconazole demonstrates significant in-vitro activity against these emerging pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Blastoschizomyces capitatus and Scedosporium species pose a serious threat to neutropenic patients.
  • Effective treatment is challenging due to antifungal resistance.
  • Voriconazole is identified as a promising therapeutic agent for these infections, supported by its in-vitro efficacy.

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