Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Saprochaete Capitata Infection in an 80-Year Old Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patient: A Case Report
Pham Ngoc Duan1,2, Nguyen Nhu Hung3, Phong Tran Nhu4
1Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Background:
The fungal disease caused by invasive fungus Saprochaete capitata is becoming an increasingly popular infection. Fungal pathogens mainly occur in patients with immunocompromised disorders such as hematologic malignancies, acute myeloid leukemia, transplant patients.
Case Report:
In this study, we presented a COPD patient infected with S. capitata. At the first check, the patient showed cough, dyspnea, chest pain on both sides. The clinical laboratory test result was characterized with high White blood cell (12.8 G/L), HIV negative. The X ray showed bronchitis and emphysema. Bronchoscopy illustrated bronchial mucositis. CT scanner demonstrated pneumonia with fuzzy nodular lesions and thick interstitial organization in both lungs. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin 800 mg/day; cefuroxime 2250 mmg/day. However, the fever appeared 2 weeks thereafter. The S. capitata was discovered in the bronchial fluid. The patient was then treated with fluconazole 400 mg/day for 14 days. At the end of treatment, all signs and symptoms of S. capitata infection disappeared and the patient recovered.
Conclusion:
This case study showed that S. capitata infection can occur in the COPD patients and fluconazole is a pertinent drug for treatment of the infection.
Insights
Saprochaete capitata fungal infections can affect Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. This case study highlights fluconazole as an effective treatment for S. capitata in a COPD patient.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Saprochaete capitata is an emerging fungal pathogen.
- Infections typically occur in immunocompromised individuals, including those with hematologic malignancies and transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Saprochaete capitata infection in a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- To evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole in treating this infection.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a COPD patient presenting with respiratory symptoms.
- Diagnostic procedures included X-ray, bronchoscopy, and CT scan.
- Microbiological analysis of bronchial fluid identified S. capitata.
- Treatment involved initial antibiotics followed by fluconazole therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited symptoms of bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial mucositis, and pneumonia.
- Initial antibiotic treatment was ineffective, and fever persisted.
- S. capitata was identified in bronchial fluid.
- Fluconazole treatment led to the resolution of all infection-related signs and symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Saprochaete capitata can cause infections in COPD patients.
- Fluconazole is an effective therapeutic agent for S. capitata infections in this patient population.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation