Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Robot-Assisted Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma
Published on: December 15, 2023
Complicated Trichosporon asahii mastoiditis in immunocompetent child
Miral Al Momani1, Dawood H Yusef2, Du'a Hamasha2
1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. maalmomani3@just.edu.jo.
Background:
Trichosporon asahii is an opportunistic fungus that causes infections in immunosuppressed patients. It is rarely seen in children and immunocompetent hosts. The mortality rates are still high despite early treatment with proper antifungal drugs. Trichosporon asahii mastoiditis in an immunocompetent child makes this case challenging.
Case Presentation:
This report presents a case of Trichosporon asahii mastoiditis which was complicated by transverse sinus thrombosis, in an otherwise healthy 21-month-old girl, and successfully treated with voriconazole. Trichosporon asahii was isolated, in three different occasions, from ear discharge of an immunocompetent healthy child, who presented with prolonged history of fever and received appropriate dosages of multiple types of antimicrobials as an outpatient but without improvement. After 48 h of starting the Voriconzole; post auricular swelling and ear discharge improved significantly.
Conclusion:
A high index of clinical and microbiological suspicion is needed for optimal diagnosis of Trichosporon infection. Trichosporon asahii can also cause infection in immunocompetent individual even without previous history of hospitalization or intervention. We emphasize the importance of early pediatric infectious evaluation and intervention.
Insights
This case study highlights Trichosporon asahii mastoiditis in an immunocompetent child. Early diagnosis and voriconazole treatment were crucial for successful recovery, even with complications like transverse sinus thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Trichosporon asahii is an opportunistic fungus typically affecting immunosuppressed individuals.
- Infections in immunocompetent hosts, especially children, are rare and challenging.
- High mortality rates associated with Trichosporon asahii infections persist despite treatment.
Observation:
- A 21-month-old immunocompetent girl presented with prolonged fever and ear discharge.
- Initial antimicrobial treatments were ineffective.
- Trichosporon asahii was repeatedly isolated from ear discharge.
Findings:
- The patient developed mastoiditis complicated by transverse sinus thrombosis.
- Treatment with voriconazole led to significant clinical improvement within 48 hours.
- Successful management of a rare fungal infection in a healthy child.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for high clinical and microbiological suspicion for Trichosporon infections.
- Demonstrates that Trichosporon asahii can infect immunocompetent individuals.
- Emphasizes the importance of early pediatric infectious disease evaluation and intervention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...

