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Osteolytic phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialemonium obovatum
K C Magnon1, M Jalbert, A A Padhye
1Department of Pathology, Baptist Memorial Hospital System, San Antonio, Tex.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Phialemonium obovatum caused a rare case of osteomyelitis in a patient with a spinal injury. Fungal elements with melanin were identified in bone and disk tissue, confirming the infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Nosocomial infections can arise from various pathogens, including fungi.
- Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Spinal injuries can create opportunities for opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male developed nosocomial osteomyelitis following a nonpenetrating spinal injury.
- Histological examination revealed fungal elements in necrotic bone and disk tissue.
- Melanin was detected in the cell walls and septa of the fungal hyphae.
Findings:
- Phialemonium obovatum was identified as the causative agent of osteomyelitis.
- The fungus was isolated from lumbar disk and bone tissue.
- Microscopic analysis showed characteristic hyphae, yeast-like cells, and melanin.
- Culture revealed specific colony morphology and growth characteristics up to 40°C.
Implications:
- This case highlights Phialemonium obovatum as a potential cause of deep-seated fungal infections.
- Early identification and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for managing such infections.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of fungal osteomyelitis is essential for improving patient outcomes.