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Acremonium infection in a neutropenic patient
N M Brown1, E L Blundell, S R Chown
1Department of Microbiology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, U.K.
Abstract:
Acremonium species (previously Cephalosporium) are saprophytic moulds of low pathogenicity commonly found in the environment. We report a case of repeated acremonium fungaemia in a neutropenic patient, probably associated with a Hickman line. Fungaemia was accompanied by fever and a papular skin rash, both of which appeared to resolve when the neutrophil count recovered without antifungal chemotherapy, only to return when the patient next became neutropenic.
Insights
Repeated Acremonium fungaemia occurred in a neutropenic patient, linked to a Hickman line. Symptoms resolved with neutrophil recovery and recurred with neutropenia, suggesting a pattern independent of antifungal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Acremonium species are common environmental molds with low pathogenicity.
- Neutropenia significantly increases susceptibility to opportunistic fungal infections.
Observation:
- A case of recurrent fungaemia caused by Acremonium species in a neutropenic patient is presented.
- The fungaemia was potentially associated with an indwelling Hickman line.
Findings:
- Fungaemia episodes correlated with periods of neutropenia.
- Fever and a papular skin rash accompanied fungaemia.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously with neutrophil count recovery.
- Recurrence of fungaemia and symptoms upon subsequent neutropenia was observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Acremonium to cause recurrent fungaemia in immunocompromised hosts.
- The findings suggest that neutrophil recovery, rather than solely antifungal therapy, may resolve such infections.
- Further investigation into the role of indwelling devices in Acremonium fungaemia is warranted.