Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Invasive Fusariosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases
Marcio Nucci1, Gloria Barreiros2, Tiyomi Akiti2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil.
Abstract:
Fusarium species are filamentous fungi widely encountered in nature, and may cause invasive disease in patients with hematologic conditions. Patients at higher risk are those with acute leukemia receiving induction remission chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. In these hosts, invasive fusariosis presents typically with disseminated disease, fever, metastatic skin lesions, pneumonia, and positive blood cultures. The prognosis is poor and the outcome is largely dependent on the immune status of the host, with virtually a 100% death rate in persistently neutropenic patients, despite monotherapy or combination antifungal therapy. In this paper, we will review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of invasive fusariosis affecting patients with hematologic diseases.
Insights
Invasive fusariosis is a severe fungal infection affecting patients with hematologic conditions, particularly those with acute leukemia or undergoing stem cell transplants. Outcomes are poor, especially in neutropenic patients, highlighting the need for better management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Fusarium species are ubiquitous filamentous fungi.
- These fungi can cause invasive infections, known as fusariosis.
- Patients with hematologic conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of invasive fusariosis.
- To describe the clinical manifestations and diagnosis.
- To discuss the management of invasive fusariosis in hematologic patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology.
- Analysis of clinical presentations.
- Summary of diagnostic approaches.
- Review of current management strategies.
Main Results:
- Invasive fusariosis commonly affects acute leukemia patients and transplant recipients.
- Typical presentation includes fever, disseminated disease, skin lesions, and pneumonia.
- Prognosis is poor, with high mortality in persistently neutropenic individuals.
Conclusions:
- Invasive fusariosis poses a significant threat to immunocompromised hematologic patients.
- Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial.
- Further research into treatment strategies is warranted.
