Saprochaete Capitata Peritonitis in a Non-neutropenic Patient Without Underlying Malignancies: A Case Report

Saprochaete capitata (S. capitata) is an opportunistic arthroconidial yeast-like fungus causing invasive infections in immunocompromised patients, mainly those with hematological malignancies and severe neutropenia. However, infections due to S. capitata are extremely rare in immunocompetent and non-neutropenic patients. Saprochaete spp. are microscopically characterized by arthroconidia with hyaline-septated hyphae. S. capitata is known to be intrinsically resistant to echinocandins and highly resistant to fluconazole. It is suggested to use amphotericin B or voriconazole (in monotherapy or in combination) as the gold standard treatment for S. capitatasystemic infections. We report a rare case of S. capitata peritonitis with fatal outcome in a non-neutropenic patient without underlying malignancies. This case report highlights the value of direct microscopic examination and stained smears in a prompt preliminary diagnosis of S. capitata invasive fungal infections. We also aim to emphasize the importance of early initiation of appropriate antifungal treatment in patients with S. capitata systemic infections, thus improving their therapeutic outcome.