Disseminated fusariosis in a patient with bone marrow aplasia

Danielle Ferreira Chagas1, Lucia Martins Diniz1, Elton Almeida Lucas1

  • 1Dermatology Service, Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antonio Moraes, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil.

Insights

Disseminated fusariosis is a rare, often fatal infection in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological cancers. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating this emerging fungal disease, even with antifungal therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Fusariosis is a fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, notably those with hematological neoplasia.
  • Cutaneous manifestations are common (70-75%), but disseminated disease is rare, difficult to diagnose, and frequently fatal.
  • It is an emerging disease, ranking as the second most common cause of invasive mycosis in some centers, following aspergillosis.