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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
[Scedosporium apiospermum infection in a kidney transplant recipient]
Francisco Javier Centellas Pérez1, Consuelo Martínez Antolinos1, Sara Piqueras Sánchez1
1Servicio Nefrología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España.
Background:
Emerging fungi infections, although being not the most frequent, are a cause of major morbidity and mortality in recipients of solid organ transplants. The infections caused by the fungi Scedosporium apiospermum are a paradigmatic example of these.
Case Report:
We present the clinical case of a 55 year-old female kidney transplant recipient that got infected with S. apiospermum through the skin. Intensive antifungal therapy was started, especially considering that the patient had an arteriovenous fistula at the site of infection. The fungus could have kept in the fistula, and a subsequent reinfection took place. The patient required both medical and surgical treatment (removal of the prosthetic material), that led to a complete recovery.
Conclusions:
S. apiospermum infections carry a high risk of complications, and are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed/transplant patients. Therefore, the adequate knowledge of this type of mycosis, as well as the making of an adequate differential diagnosis, become fundamental for the prevention of the complications arising from them.
Insights
Scedosporium apiospermum fungal infections pose significant risks to solid organ transplant recipients. Early diagnosis and combined medical-surgical treatment, including fistula management, are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Transplant Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Emerging fungal infections, though infrequent, contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
- Infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum exemplify the challenges posed by these opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A case of Scedosporium apiospermum skin infection in a 55-year-old female kidney transplant recipient is presented.
- The infection involved an arteriovenous fistula, raising concerns for persistent fungal presence and potential reinfection.
- The patient underwent intensive antifungal therapy alongside surgical removal of the infected prosthetic material.
Findings:
- Scedosporium apiospermum infections in transplant patients are associated with high complication rates.
- Successful management required a multimodal approach combining antifungal agents and surgical intervention.
- Complete recovery was achieved following the removal of the infected arteriovenous fistula.
Implications:
- Adequate knowledge of Scedosporium apiospermum mycosis is vital for healthcare providers managing transplant patients.
- Prompt and accurate differential diagnosis is essential to prevent severe complications.
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in transplant recipients with skin lesions and prosthetic devices.
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