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Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
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Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions

Published on: September 22, 2023

[Scedosporium apiospermum rhinosinusal infection in an immunocompetent host]

Leonardo Chanqueo1, Catalina Gutiérrez, Cecilia Tapia

  • 1Unidad de Infectología, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Santiago, Chile. lchanqueo@gmail.com

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Scedosporium apiospermum caused a localized sinus infection in a woman after nasal surgery. Diagnosis required fungal culture and tissue biopsy, highlighting the importance of considering fungi in chronic sinusitis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Scedosporium species are fungi capable of causing various infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Fungal sinusitis can present with non-specific symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
  • Previous sinonasal surgery can be a risk factor for fungal infections.

Observation:

  • A 47-year-old woman presented with recurrent, antibiotic-resistant mucopurulent post-nasal discharge.
  • Computed tomography revealed opacification of the right maxillary sinus.
  • Surgical debridement of the sinus yielded tissue with fungal hyphae.

Findings:

  • Microscopic examination of surgical biopsy revealed tightly packed hyphae consistent with filamentous fungi.
  • Fungal culture definitively identified the causative agent as Scedosporium apiospermum.
  • The patient's presentation was consistent with localized Scedosporium apiospermum infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering fungal pathogens, such as Scedosporium apiospermum, in refractory sinusitis, especially post-surgery.
  • Accurate identification of fungal species is crucial for appropriate treatment and management of sinonasal mycoses.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the progression of localized fungal infections to more severe disease.

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