Triadelphia pulvinata colonisation: First report in an Indian expatriate returning from the Middle East

Triadelphia pulvinata is a dematiaceous mold, seldom implicated in human disease. We report the first case of lung cavity colonization by T. pulvinata in a 43-year-old Indian expatriate who worked as a construction laborer in Dubai. The patient presented with chronic breathlessness and progressive hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a right lower lobe cavity with an intracavitary lesion and bronchiectasis. The patient underwent successful wedge resection, resulting in complete symptom resolution. Histopathology of the intraoperative tissue identified fungal elements within organized cavity and culture yielded a pleomorphic mold. Definitive mold identification was achieved through sequencing of ITS region and phylogenetic analysis. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of rare fungi and highlights the importance of molecular methods for accurate identification. The epidemiological link to Middle East suggests occupational and geographic risk factors. Increased global travel may heighten exposure to uncommon fungal pathogens, necessitating greater clinical awareness and advanced diagnostics.