Trichosporon asahii urinary tract infection in immunocompetent patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Trichosporonosis, caused by Trichosporon asahii, is an emerging infection.
• Urinary tract infections due to T. asahii are rare and poorly documented.
• T. asahii is a ubiquitous, anamorphic yeast known for its opportunistic nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of T. asahii urinary tract infection in immunocompetent patients.
• To characterize the antifungal susceptibility profile of the isolated T. asahii strains.
• To discuss potential risk factors and implications for infection control.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and phenotypic identification of T. asahii from urine samples.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing using E-test.
• Clinical data review of two immunocompetent patients with comorbidities.

Main Results:

• T. asahii was identified in urine of two immunocompetent patients with multiple comorbidities.
• The yeast exhibited multidrug resistance but remained susceptible to voriconazole.
• Potential risk factors included prolonged antimicrobial use, indwelling catheters, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia.

Conclusions:

• T. asahii urinary tract infections, though rare, can occur in immunocompetent individuals with risk factors.
• Voriconazole is a potential therapeutic option for T. asahii infections.
• Enhanced infection control measures are crucial for managing Trichosporon infections.