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An invasive infection caused by the thermophilic mold Talaromyces thermophilus

Karl Dichtl1, Özlem Koc2, Johannes Forster3

  • 1Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany. dichtl@mvp.lmu.de.

Infection
|July 1, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rare fungal infections are rising. This study details the first invasive case of Talaromyces thermophilus infection, highlighting challenges in its identification and proposing antigen testing for diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections caused by rare fungi are increasing.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • This study reports the first invasive infection caused by the thermophilic mold Talaromyces thermophilus.
  • Talaromyces thermophilus is a fastidious organism, making its cultivation and identification challenging under standard laboratory conditions.

Findings:

  • Retrospective analysis of patient samples and in vitro experiments were conducted.
  • Testing for fungal antigens, specifically galactomannan and β-1,3-D-glucan (cell wall components), emerged as a promising diagnostic tool.

Implications:

  • This research highlights the need for adapted diagnostic methods for rare fungal pathogens.
  • Antigen detection offers a potential avenue for improved early diagnosis and management of Talaromyces thermophilus infections.
Keywords:
Antigen testingInvasive fungal infectionSerologyTalaromycesThermophile

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