Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
AIDS-Associated Talaromyces marneffei Infection with Thoracic Spinal Cord Involvement Leading to Paraplegia: A Case
Yongzheng Guo1, Ying Song2, Xiaorong Peng1
1The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Talaromyces marneffei is a common opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in South China. Spinal cord abscesses caused by T. marneffei are exceptionally rare and present with non-specific symptoms, which may result in delayed diagnosis and heightened adverse prognoses.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a spinal cord abscess in a 30-year-old patient with AIDS that was caused by T. marneffei infection. The patient initially presented with T. marneffei septicemia and pleurisy. After initial antifungal treatment and combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), the patient's condition temporarily improved. However, he discontinued the antifungal treatment against medical advice and subsequently developed paraplegia, T. marneffei meningitis, and related intracranial and thoracic spinal cord lesions. Neurosurgical resection of the spinal cord lesion, combined with continued cART and antifungal treatment, resulted in the intracranial mass in the cerebellum resolving on MRI, but the patient remained non-ambulatory and incontinent during the last follow-up in August 2024.
Conclusion:
In patients with spinal cord abscesses and a history of disseminated T. marneffei infection, especially those with AIDS, talaromycosis should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis. Comprehensive management, encompassing adherence to treatment plans and effective follow-up, is crucial for improving prognosis.
Insights
Talaromyces marneffei can cause rare spinal cord abscesses in AIDS patients. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are vital for better outcomes in disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Talaromyces marneffei is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen in individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in South China.
- Spinal cord abscesses due to Talaromyces marneffei are infrequent and characterized by nonspecific symptoms, potentially leading to diagnostic delays and poorer prognoses.
Observation:
- A case study involved a 30-year-old male with AIDS presenting with Talaromyces marneffei septicemia and pleurisy.
- The patient developed paraplegia, Talaromyces marneffei meningitis, and spinal cord lesions after discontinuing antifungal therapy.
- Despite neurosurgical intervention and continued treatment, the patient experienced persistent neurological deficits.
Findings:
- Disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection can manifest as spinal cord abscesses in immunocompromised individuals.
- Treatment non-adherence significantly worsens outcomes in Talaromyces marneffei infections.
- Multimodal treatment including surgery, antifungal therapy, and combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is essential.
Implications:
- Talaromycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord abscesses, particularly in AIDS patients with a history of disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection.
- Adherence to comprehensive management and diligent follow-up are critical for improving patient prognosis.
- This case highlights the severe neurological complications of Talaromyces marneffei and underscores the importance of sustained treatment adherence.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
01:29Pulmonary 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...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...