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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Sinus infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia]
Alejandro Kral1, Kathleen Batalla2, M Elena Santolaya3
1Facultad de Medicina, Hospital San Borja Arriarán, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
Abstract:
The episodes of febrile neutropenia are severe cases that require an exhaustive etiological study and a quick start of antimicrobial agents. Within the possible microorganisms, fungal origins are also found, and depending on its tissue invasion, they can reach a high mortality rate. A case of a pediatric patient who suffered from acute myeloid leukemia is reported, and after his induction chemotherapy, the patient showed an episode of febrile neutropenia, which matches a rhinosinusal infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum, a filamentous fungi that is uncommonly associated with pathological cases. An antifungal therapy and an early surgical treatment were started, which lead to a positive response, without complications to the patient. After the monitoring and receiving secondary prophylaxis during the episodes of neutropenia, the patient hasn't presented new injuries nor rhinosinusal damage.
Insights
Febrile neutropenia in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients can stem from rare fungal infections. Early antifungal therapy and surgery for Exserohilum rostratum rhinosinusitis led to a positive outcome.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Hematology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a severe complication of chemotherapy, necessitating prompt etiological investigation and treatment.
- Fungal infections, particularly invasive ones, pose a significant mortality risk in immunocompromised patients.
- Exserohilum rostratum is a filamentous fungus rarely implicated in human pathology.

