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Wangiella dermatitidis endocarditis in an intravenous drug user
Abstract:
Wangiella dermatitidis is an infrequently encountered dematiacious fungus that usually causes localized infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. This report presents the first well-documented case of natural valve infection caused by this organism as it occurred in intravenous drug abuser. His course has been complicated by relapsing infection of two aortic prostheses and dissemination to the vertebral spine. Treatment with a combination of amphotericin B, rifampin, and ketoconazole has arrested the progression of his infection. The microbiologic features and existing clinical information regarding this fungus are reviewed and in vitro susceptibility data for the present isolate are presented.
Insights
This case report details the first documented natural valve infection by Wangiella dermatitidis, a rare fungus, in an intravenous drug user. The infection spread to aortic prostheses and the spine but was arrested by combination antifungal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Wangiella dermatitidis is a dematiaceous fungus rarely causing infections, typically localized to skin and subcutaneous tissues.
- Invasive fungal infections pose significant challenges, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with indwelling devices.
- Natural valve infection by W. dermatitidis is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.