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Published on: July 11, 2016
Trichosporon inkin meningitis in a pediatric patient diagnosed via metagenomic sequencing
Kathryn Phillips1, Karen P Acker1, Jin-Young Han1
1Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Background:
Trichosporon has emerged as an important cause of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. There are limited data on invasive Trichosporon infections in children.
Case Summary:
We report a case of culture-negative Trichosporon inkin meningitis diagnosed via metagenomic next-generation sequencing of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in an infant with retinoblastoma. In addition, we highlight the role of β-1,3-D-glucan in the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of trichosporonosis, and cross-reactivity of the cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay with T. inkin.
Conclusion:
This diagnosis, which was challenging to make in the absence of a positive culture, highlights the utility of metagenomic sequencing methods and fungal biomarkers in identifying infectious agents and ensuring timely diagnosis and management of patients with rare fungal infections of the central nervous system.
Insights
Invasive Trichosporon infections are a growing concern, especially in children. Metagenomic sequencing and fungal biomarkers aided in diagnosing a rare case of Trichosporon inkin meningitis in an infant.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Trichosporon species are increasingly recognized as significant causes of invasive fungal infections.
- Invasive Trichosporon infections are particularly concerning in immunocompromised patient populations.
- There is a notable scarcity of data regarding invasive Trichosporon infections specifically in pediatric cases.
