[Disseminated fusariosis during autologous stem cells transplant]

N Bouanani1, M Lamchahab, M Quachouh

  • 1Service d'hématologie et d'oncologie pédiatrique, CHU 20-Août-de-Casablanca, Casablanca, Maroc. nouama2009@hotmail.fr

Insights

Fusarium, a rare fungal infection, can cause serious illness in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and voriconazole treatment led to recovery in a patient with multiple myeloma undergoing stem cell transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Fusarium species are filamentous fungi causing infections, particularly in neutropenic, immunosuppressed patients.
  • Disseminated fusariosis has a high mortality rate (50-70%) and is rare in Morocco.
  • Multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant are at high risk for opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with multiple myeloma developed febrile neutropenia and respiratory distress post-stem cell transplant.
  • Initial broad-spectrum antibiotics were ineffective, necessitating further investigation.
  • Pulmonary infiltrates were detected via CT scan, prompting antifungal therapy.

Findings:

  • Fusarium species were identified in blood cultures on day 19 post-transplant.
  • Treatment with voriconazole resulted in clinical and radiological improvement.
  • The patient completed a 6-week course of voriconazole with successful outcomes.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare fungal infections like fusariosis in immunocompromised patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy, such as voriconazole, are crucial for managing disseminated fusariosis.
  • Successful treatment in this high-risk patient underscores the potential efficacy of voriconazole in complex cases.