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Chronic maxillary sinusitis associated with the mushroom Schizophyllum commune in a patient with AIDS
J Rosenthal1, R Katz, D B DuBois
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Abstract:
Invasive infection with fungi of the Basidiomycota (rusts, smuts, toadstools, mushrooms, and puffballs) is extremely rare. We report such an infection in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus disease who presented with chronic maxillary sinusitis associated with the mushroom Schizophyllum commune. The organism was isolated from the surgical drainage material, and septate hyphae were seen invading the maxillary submucosa. The limited literature on this subject is reviewed.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections from Basidiomycota are rare. This case details a human immunodeficiency virus patient with chronic maxillary sinusitis caused by the mushroom Schizophyllum commune.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Invasive infections by Basidiomycota fungi are exceptionally rare in clinical settings.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease can predispose individuals to opportunistic infections.
- Chronic maxillary sinusitis requires thorough etiological investigation.
Observation:
- A patient with HIV disease presented with persistent chronic maxillary sinusitis.
- Surgical drainage revealed the presence of the mushroom, Schizophyllum commune.
- Microscopic examination showed septate hyphae invading the maxillary submucosa.
Findings:
- Isolation and identification of Schizophyllum commune from infected sinus tissue.
- Histopathological evidence of fungal invasion in the maxillary submucosa.
- Demonstration of an extremely rare invasive fungal infection in an immunocompromised host.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare fungal pathogens to cause invasive disease in immunocompromised individuals.
- Underscores the importance of considering fungal etiologies in complex sinusitis cases, particularly in HIV patients.
- Contributes to the limited literature on invasive Basidiomycota infections, emphasizing Schizophyllum commune as a potential pathogen.