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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:33
Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
Published on: May 27, 2022
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Epidemiology and Prognostic Factors Associated With Mold-Positive Blood Cultures: 10-Year Data From a French
Thiziri Tala-Ighil1, Dea Garcia-Hermoso2, Frédéric Dalle3
1Infectious Disease Department, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades.
Summary
Mold-related fungemia, particularly Fusarium, Lomentospora, and Aspergillus, significantly impacts patients with hematological malignancies. Early identification of specific mold genera and risk factors like corticosteroid use is crucial for managing 90-day mortality in mold fungemia.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Limited data exists on mold-related fungemia, hindering timely clinical management.
- Invasive fusariosis and lomentosporiosis are known causes, but a broader epidemiological overview is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of mold-positive blood cultures.
- To identify factors associated with mortality in mold fungemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of mold-positive blood cultures from 2012-2022 using the RESSIF database.
- Exclusion of pseudofungemia using modified Duthie and Denning criteria.
- Application of Firth logistical regression to determine predictors of 90-day mortality.
Main Results:
- Fusarium spp. (67.5%) were the most common cause, followed by Lomentospora prolificans (10%).
- Hematological malignancy (70%) was a frequent underlying condition, with specific associations for different mold genera.
- The 90-day mortality rate was 53%, with L. prolificans, Aspergillus spp. fungemia, and corticosteroid exposure identified as independent predictors.
Conclusions:
- Underlying conditions and clinical presentations differ across mold genera.
- Recognizing these variations can aid in guiding early management strategies for mold fungemia.
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