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Brain Abscesses Due to Aspergillus nidulans Infection During Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Manish Sadarangani1, Melissa Harvey, Allison McDonald
1*Department of Paediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases ‡Department of Paediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital §Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada †Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 3-year-old boy who was diagnosed with cerebral abscesses due to Aspergillus nidulans infection on day 28 of induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He responded well to treatment with voriconazole and caspofungin, making a full recovery. There are very few cases of invasive aspergillosis reported in children during induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia and A. nidulans is rare in the absence of chronic granulomatous disease.
Insights
A young boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed invasive aspergillosis, a rare fungal infection, during chemotherapy. Prompt treatment with antifungal medications led to his complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, particularly induction chemotherapy, can increase the risk of invasive fungal infections.
- Invasive aspergillosis is a serious opportunistic infection, with Aspergillus nidulans being a rare causative agent, especially in immunocompromised children without chronic granulomatous disease.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy undergoing induction chemotherapy for ALL developed cerebral abscesses.
- Cerebral abscesses were diagnosed as Aspergillus nidulans infection on day 28 of chemotherapy.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment with voriconazole and caspofungin.
- Successful treatment resulted in a complete recovery from the invasive aspergillosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for rare Aspergillus species like A. nidulans to cause invasive disease in pediatric leukemia patients.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive antifungal therapy are crucial for managing invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised children.
- Further research may be warranted on the incidence and management of rare fungal infections during pediatric leukemia treatment.
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