Related Experiment Videos
Fatal mycotic aneurysms due to Scedosporium and Pseudallescheria infection
Adrian Ong1, Christopher C Blyth, Rosamma Bency
1Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|March 25, 2011
Abstract:
Angioinvasive complications of Scedosporium infections are rare. We report two cases of mycotic aneurysm, following apparent localized infection, due to Scedosporium apiospermum and Pseudallescheria boydii. The thoracoabdominal aorta was affected in one patient, and cerebral vessels were affected in the other. Despite voriconazole therapy and surgical resection, the patients died. Previously reported cases are reviewed.
Insights
Mycotic aneurysms from Scedosporium infections are rare but severe. This study details two fatal cases of angioinvasive Scedosporium apiospermum and Pseudallescheria boydii, highlighting treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Scedosporium infections, including those caused by Scedosporium apiospermum and Pseudallescheria boydii, can lead to severe complications.
- Angioinvasive fungal infections affecting the vasculature are uncommon but associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- Two cases of mycotic aneurysm are presented, originating from localized Scedosporium infections.
- One patient developed a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, while the other experienced a cerebral vessel aneurysm.
Findings:
- Despite treatment with voriconazole and surgical intervention, both patients succumbed to their infections.
- A review of previously reported cases of Scedosporium-related mycotic aneurysms is included.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of angioinvasive Scedosporium infections, particularly mycotic aneurysms.
- The findings highlight the limitations of current therapeutic strategies and the need for further research into effective treatments for these rare but devastating fungal infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...