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Pseudallescheriasis in the 21st century

Thomas A O'Bryan1

  • 1The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. tobryan@psu.edu

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|October 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum) causes invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Voriconazole shows promise as a primary treatment for this emerging opportunistic pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Pseudallescheria boydii, also known as Scedosporium apiospermum, is an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
  • It causes invasive mycosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Diagnosis can be delayed due to its resemblance to aspergillosis and poor response to amphotericin B.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the microbiology, ecology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of pseudallescheriasis.
  • To highlight the role of voriconazole in managing infections caused by this fungus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published data.
  • Analysis of in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical case reports.

Main Results:

  • Pseudallescheriasis presents a wide clinical spectrum, including invasive lung and CNS disease.
  • The organism exhibits resistance to amphotericin B.
  • Voriconazole demonstrates efficacy in vitro, in animal models, and in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum) is a significant cause of invasive fungal infections.
  • Voriconazole is a recommended primary treatment option for pseudallescheriasis.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and manage this emerging pathogen.

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