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Invasive infection caused by Pseudallescheria boydii in an immunocompetent patient

E Bibashi1, G S de Hoog, E Kostopoulou

  • 1Microbiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. bibashi@med.auth.gr

Hippokratia
|November 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

An unusual case of invasive Pseudallescheria boydii infection occurred in an immunocompetent patient presenting with stroke-like symptoms. This highlights the fungus

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Pseudallescheria boydii is a fungus typically found in soil and water.
  • Invasive infections usually affect immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • An immunocompetent patient presented with symptoms mimicking acute myocardial infarction, followed by cerebral hemorrhage.
  • Blood cultures and pathological examination confirmed invasive P. boydii infection.

Findings:

  • The patient received dexamethasone and later amphotericin B.
  • Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to the infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for P. boydii to cause severe invasive disease in immunocompetent hosts.
  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in unexplained neurological events.
  • Suggests a need for further research into P. boydii pathogenesis and treatment in diverse patient populations.
Keywords:
immunocompetent patientinvasive infectionpseudallescheria boydii

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