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A case of colonization of a prosthetic mitral valve by Acremonium strictum

Josep Guarro1, Amalia Del Palacio, Josep Gené

  • 1Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPR, Reus, Tarragona, España.

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fungal colonization of a prosthetic mitral valve by Acremonium strictum poses a significant risk. Molecular analysis confirmed the fungal identity and suggested A. strictum is a species complex.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Prosthetic heart valves are susceptible to microbial colonization.
  • Fungal infections of prosthetic valves are rare but can be severe.
  • Acremonium strictum is a fungus with varying clinical significance.

Observation:

  • A case of prosthetic mitral valve colonization by Acremonium strictum in a 73-year-old male is presented.
  • The patient underwent valve replacement due to paravalvular leak and severe insufficiency.
  • The patient ultimately died from multiorgan failure.

Findings:

  • Morphological studies and ITS region sequence analysis identified the fungus as Acremonium strictum.
  • Molecular data suggest Acremonium strictum may represent a species complex.
  • The prosthetic valve showed evidence of fungal colonization.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for fungal infections in patients with prosthetic valves.
  • Awareness of Acremonium strictum as a potential pathogen in this context is crucial.
  • Further research into the Acremonium strictum species complex may be warranted.

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