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Trichosporon asahii Urinary Tract Infection in a Patient with Severe COVID-19
Verschoyle Cronyn1, John Howard2, Leslie Chiang1
1Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center Family Med Residency Program, 1000 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Morrow 30260, GA, USA.
Abstract:
Trichosporon asahii is a yeast-like basidiomycete that is an emerging opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Urinary tract infections due to T. asahii are rarely reported in the literature and typically seen only in immunocompromised patients. In addition to being immunocompromised, critically ill COVID-19 patients often have prolonged exposure to antibiotics, corticosteroids, and Foley catheters, which further increases their susceptibility to infection with T. asahii. There are limited case reports documenting successful treatment of T. asahii among hospitalized patients, particularly among COVID-19 patients, in the literature. Therefore, it is important that successful treatment regimens be reported. Here, we report a case of T. asahii urinary tract infection successfully treated with fluconazole and voriconazole in a 73-year-old male recovering from COVID-19. Urinary tract infections with T. asahii should be considered in persistently febrile COVID-19 patients with fungal urinary tract infections since prompt recognition and treatment can reduce the risk of disseminated disease and early mortality.
Insights
Trichosporon asahii urinary tract infections are rare, especially in COVID-19 patients. Successful treatment with fluconazole and voriconazole was achieved in a critically ill patient.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Trichosporon asahii is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by T. asahii are uncommon, particularly in non-immunocompromised individuals.
- Critically ill COVID-19 patients face increased risk due to factors like antibiotic use and indwelling catheters.
Observation:
- A rare case of T. asahii UTI in a recovering COVID-19 patient is presented.
- The patient was a 73-year-old male with persistent fever.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of T. asahii UTI was achieved using a combination of fluconazole and voriconazole.
- This case highlights a viable therapeutic strategy for a seldom-reported infection.
Implications:
- Early recognition and treatment of T. asahii UTIs in febrile COVID-19 patients are crucial.
- Prompt management can mitigate risks of disseminated disease and reduce mortality.
- Reporting successful treatment regimens is vital for guiding clinical practice.
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