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[Asymptomatic fungemia caused by Acremonium sp associated with colonization of a central venous catheter]

Patricia Cornejo-Juárez1, Consuelo Velásquez-Acosta, Victoria Martínez-Roque

  • 1Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México DF, México. patcornejo@yahoo.com

Gaceta Medica De Mexico
|August 29, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Saprophytic fungi like Acremonium sp. can cause invasive fungemia in immunocompromised patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via central venous catheters (CVCs). Close monitoring is crucial for early detection and treatment of such infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Context:

  • Saprophytic fungi can act as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Catheter-related fungemia poses a significant risk, especially in patients with central venous catheters (CVCs).
  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration via CVCs is a common practice in clinical settings.

Purpose:

  • To report two cases of Acremonium sp. fungemia in patients with CVCs receiving TPN.
  • To investigate the potential link between TPN and catheter-related Acremonium sp. infections.
  • To highlight the importance of monitoring for indolent fungal pathogens in at-risk patient populations.

Summary:

  • Two cases of catheter-related Acremonium sp. fungemia were identified in patients who had previously received TPN through a CVC.
  • Both infections were successfully treated with catheter removal and antifungal therapy.
  • Retrospective analysis of other TPN patients from the same period did not reveal further Acremonium sp. cases, suggesting a complex etiology or rare occurrence.

Impact:

  • This study underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of patients with CVCs, particularly those receiving TPN, for colonization by low-pathogenicity fungi.
  • Early detection and management of Acremonium sp. fungemia can prevent severe complications.
  • Findings emphasize the potential for saprophytic microorganisms to transition into clinically significant pathogens in vulnerable patient groups.

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