Disseminated Sporotrichosis in a Liver Transplant Patient: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Sporotrichosis, caused by Sporothrix schenckii, poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals.
• The case involves a 26-year-old male liver transplant recipient with a history of pulmonary infection and Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Observation:

• The patient developed persistent fever and leukocytosis post-liver transplant, complicated by hepatic artery thrombosis requiring a second transplant.
• Despite broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal therapies, the patient experienced daily fevers.
• Mental confusion preceded the identification of Sporothrix schenckii in cerebrospinal fluid and ascites cultures.

Findings:

• Disseminated Sporothrix schenckii infection was confirmed via cerebrospinal fluid and ascites cultures.
• The patient presented with peritonitis secondary to S. schenckii, a presentation not previously reported in medical literature.
• Treatment with amphotericin B was initiated but ultimately unsuccessful.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for rare fungal dissemination in immunocompromised transplant recipients.
• It underscores the diagnostic challenges and aggressive management required for disseminated sporotrichosis.
• The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness of atypical fungal infections in post-transplant settings.