Scedosporium aurantiacum: First isolation in Argentina from a previously healthy patient after traumatic inoculation
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Published on: June 13, 2018
Susana Carnovale1, Carolina Epelbaum2, Ruben Abrantes3
1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital de Pediatría S.A.M.I.C. "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are widely distributed in nature. They are generally saprophytes, but can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and occasionally in immunocompetent patients that are difficult to treat due to high levels of antifungal resistance. The distribution of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species shows regional differences. Scedosporium boydii and Scedosporium apiospermum are the most frequently isolated species in our region, whereas Scedosporium aurantiacum is more common in other regions. We describe the first isolation in Argentina of S. aurantiacum in a vitreous humor infection from a previously healthy patient after traumatic injury in her left eye. Due to the suspicion of fungal endophthalmitis, a mycological study of the vitreous humor was performed. The culture allowed the isolation of S. aurantiacum. The patient was treated with voriconazole with favorable clinic evolution.
Insights
This study reports the first isolation of Scedosporium aurantiacum in Argentina, causing a rare eye infection in a healthy individual. The successful treatment with voriconazole highlights a potential therapeutic option for this opportunistic fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are ubiquitous fungi, often acting as opportunistic pathogens.
- These fungi can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, due to inherent antifungal resistance.
- Regional variations exist in the prevalence of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, with S. aurantiacum being more common in certain areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the initial isolation of Scedosporium aurantiacum in Argentina.
- To report a case of fungal endophthalmitis caused by S. aurantiacum in a previously healthy patient.
- To describe the clinical management and outcome of this rare ocular infection.
Main Methods:
- Mycological analysis of vitreous humor aspirate.
- Isolation and identification of the fungal pathogen.
- Treatment with voriconazole.
Main Results:
- Scedosporium aurantiacum was successfully isolated from the vitreous humor of a patient with traumatic eye injury.
- This represents the first reported case of S. aurantiacum isolation in Argentina.
- The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to voriconazole therapy.
Conclusions:
- Scedosporium aurantiacum can cause opportunistic fungal endophthalmitis, even in immunocompetent individuals following trauma.
- This case highlights the importance of considering Scedosporium species in the differential diagnosis of fungal eye infections.
- Voriconazole demonstrates efficacy in treating S. aurantiacum-induced ocular infections.
