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Aspergillus endocarditis diagnosed by fungemia plus serum antigen testing

Timothy J Hatlen1, Scott G Filler1, Arnold Bayer1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.

Medical Mycology Case Reports
|November 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Fungal endocarditis is rare but increasing due to transplants and heart surgery. This case highlights Aspergillus fumigatus prosthetic valve endocarditis diagnosed using fungal markers and positive blood cultures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal endocarditis is an uncommon but increasingly recognized clinical diagnosis.
  • The rise in organ transplantations and cardiac valvular surgeries contributes to its growing frequency.
  • Prosthetic valve endocarditis presents unique diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A specific case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is presented.
  • Diagnosis involved the use of serologic fungal markers.
  • Blood cultures were positive, which is an unusual finding for fungal endocarditis.

Findings:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus can cause prosthetic valve endocarditis.
  • Serologic markers can aid in the diagnosis of fungal endocarditis.
  • Positive blood cultures, though uncommon, can confirm fungal endocarditis.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment of fungal endocarditis are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Increased awareness of fungal causes is necessary in at-risk populations.
  • Further research into diagnostic markers for fungal endocarditis is warranted.
Keywords:
Aspergillus fumigatusFungal EndocarditisFungemia

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