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Intestinal invasion and disseminated disease associated with Penicillium chrysogenum

Adrian L Barcus1, Steven D Burdette, Thomas E Herchline

  • 1Department of Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA. adrian-barcus@woh.rr.com

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials
|December 24, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive Penicillium chrysogenum infection is rare in immunocompetent individuals. Aggressive treatment, including surgery and antifungals, is crucial for survival despite a poor prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Non-marneffei Penicillium species rarely cause invasive infections.
  • Infections typically occur in immunocompromised patients (HIV, post-transplant).
  • Infection in immunocompetent hosts is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old female presented with an acute abdomen due to an incarcerated peristomal hernia.
  • Postoperatively, she developed severe sepsis, respiratory failure, and an anastomotic breakdown.
  • Pathology revealed fungal angioinvasion, with blood cultures positive for Penicillium chrysogenum.

Findings:

  • Penicillium chrysogenum can cause severe invasive disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Rapid growth on routine fungal cultures aids diagnosis.
  • Angioinvasion by fungi indicates a severe infection.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and aggressive management, including surgical intervention and antifungal therapy (e.g., amphotericin B), are critical.
  • Prognosis for invasive Penicillium infections remains poor.
  • Further research is needed on newer antifungal agents for these rare infections.

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