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Alternaria infectoria brain abscess in a child with chronic granulomatous disease

E Hipolito1, E Faria, A F Alves

  • 1Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Portugal.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This report details the first case of a phaeohyphomycotic brain abscess caused by Alternaria infectoria in a child with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Despite treatment attempts, the patient did not survive, highlighting challenges in managing this opportunistic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) predisposes individuals to opportunistic infections.
  • Brain abscesses are serious central nervous system infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy with CGD presented with seizures and a cerebral abscess on CT scan.
  • Microbiology identified a melanin-pigmented fungus, Alternaria infectoria, as the causative agent.

Findings:

  • The fungus was identified using molecular methods (5.8S rRNA gene and ITS sequencing).
  • Surgical excision was not feasible, and multiple therapeutic strategies failed.
  • The patient succumbed to the infection.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Alternaria infectoria as an emerging opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Challenges exist in routine identification and effective therapeutic options for phaeohyphomycosis.
  • Further research is needed to improve management strategies for invasive fungal infections in CGD patients.

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