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Cryptococcal infection of a prosthetic dialysis fistula
D K Braun1, D A Janssen, J R Marcus
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
Abstract:
Fungal infections of prosthetic dialysis fistulae are rare. We report the first case of infection of a polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis access graft with the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Therapy with antifungal agents alone failed to cure the infection and significant improvement was observed only when all prosthetic material was surgically removed. This case emphasizes the potential for fungal infection of prosthetic dialysis fistulae and the importance of removal of intravascular foreign material in conjunction with antifungal therapy for treatment of fungal prosthetic graft infections.
Insights
Fungal infections of prosthetic dialysis grafts are rare. Surgical removal of infected material, alongside antifungal therapy, is crucial for successful treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans infections.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal infections of prosthetic dialysis access grafts are uncommon but serious complications.
- Prosthetic materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts, can become sites for microbial colonization.