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Exserohilum infection in an immunocompromised neonate

Elizabeth Juhas1, Miguel Reyes-Mugica, Marian G Michaels

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaDivision of Pediatric PathologyDivision of Pediatric Infectious DiseasesDivision of Pediatric Plastic SurgeryDivision of Pediatric Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pediatric Dermatology
|September 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections are rising in children due to increased survival rates and treatments like chemotherapy and transplants. This case highlights a rare fungal infection in an immunosuppressed infant.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are increasingly prevalent in pediatric populations.
  • Factors contributing to this rise include advances in neonatal care, increased use of immunosuppressive therapies (chemotherapy, stem cell, and solid organ transplantation), and improved survival of immunocompromised children.

Observation:

  • A case of cutaneous Exserohilum rostratum infection in an immunosuppressed neonate is presented.
  • Exserohilum rostratum is a dematiaceous fungus typically found in soil and plant material.

Findings:

  • The neonate developed a localized cutaneous infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum.
  • This represents a rare manifestation of this fungus in a pediatric patient, particularly in a neonate.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in the differential diagnosis of infections in immunocompromised neonates.
  • Early recognition and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for managing invasive fungal infections in this vulnerable population.
  • Further research into the epidemiology and management of Exserohilum rostratum infections in neonates may be warranted.

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