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Emerging fungal infections: focus on Saksenaea Erythrospora
Gianmarco Troiano1,2, Nicola Nante2
1ASST Melegnano e della Martesana, Vizzolo Predabissi (MI), Italy.
Introduction:
In recent times, improved diagnostic techniques have revealed an alarming number of cases of mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals. The Saksenaea species, is a rare cause of mucormycosis, and is often associated with skin and subcutaneous infection due to trauma in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent subjects. The purpose of this study was therefore, through a review of the literature, to investigate the problem of infections caused by Saksenaea Erythrospora, evaluating the clinical manifestations of the infection, the triggering factors, the therapies and patients' outcomes, implementing and updating what already reported in literature.
Methods:
A research of peer-reviewed literature in the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus was conducted in the period June 2020-January 2021 using the key word "Saksenaea erythrospora". Studies in Italian, English, French, Spanish focused on cases of Saksenaea erythrospora were included, without time restrictions. Studies that provided ambiguous or insufficient data were excluded.
Results:
Bibliographic research yielded 23 publications; 7 were included in the review. The studies were published between 2011 and 2015 and involved a total of 11 patients of average age 37.9 years (SD 17.23) hospitalized in several hospitals in: USA, India, Argentina, Colombia, Thailand. 6 patients were women, 5 men. All patients had an almost normal immune status. The causes of the infection were: injections, traumas, surgery. Two patients, despite surgical and medical therapy, died.
Conclusions:
Our review partially updated what already published, because only one new study was found. Serious necrotizing infections from Saksenaea erythrospora have been observed in recent years and a early identification and timely management are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. A greater awareness and education about the risks deriving from carrying out surgical procedures abroad, especially in precarious hygiene situations, could be additional effective weapons to reduce the incidence of these infections.
Insights
Mucormycosis caused by Saksenaea erythrospora is a rare but serious infection, often affecting immunocompetent individuals after trauma or surgery. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity from this necrotizing fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Improved diagnostics reveal increasing mucormycosis cases in immunocompetent individuals.
- Saksenaea species, a rare mucormycosis cause, typically results in skin/subcutaneous infections post-trauma.
- Infections occur in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent subjects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate infections caused by Saksenaea erythrospora through a literature review.
- To evaluate clinical manifestations, triggering factors, therapies, and patient outcomes.
- To update existing literature on Saksenaea erythrospora infections.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus (June 2020-January 2021).
- Keywords used: "Saksenaea erythrospora".
- Included studies in Italian, English, French, Spanish; excluded ambiguous or insufficient data.
Main Results:
- 23 publications were identified; 7 studies involving 11 patients (average age 37.9 years) were included.
- Patients were from the USA, India, Argentina, Colombia, and Thailand, with mostly normal immune status.
- Infection causes included injections, traumas, and surgery; two patients died despite treatment.
Conclusions:
- Saksenaea erythrospora causes serious necrotizing infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Early identification and prompt management are essential to decrease morbidity and mortality.
- Increased awareness of risks associated with surgical procedures in unhygienic conditions is recommended.
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