Cerebral Pseudallescheria mycosis after near-drowning

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Updated: Nov 5, 2026

Isolation and Cannulation of Cerebral Parenchymal Arterioles
09:49

Isolation and Cannulation of Cerebral Parenchymal Arterioles

Published on: May 23, 2016

R Rüchel1, E Wilichowski

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Göttingen, Germany.

Mycoses
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Scedosporium apiospermum, a fungus causing Pseudallescheria mycosis, is resistant to antifungals. This case highlights a lethal cerebral infection in a child post-near-drowning, emphasizing diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pathology

Background:

  • Scedosporium apiospermum, the anamorph of Pseudallescheria boydii, is a hyalohyphomycete.
  • It can be misidentified histologically as Aspergillus.
  • Clinically, it is characterized by resistance to most antifungal agents.

Observation:

  • This study presents a case of invasive fungal infection in an immunocompetent child.
  • The infection occurred following a near-drowning incident.
  • The patient developed a lethal cerebral mycosis.

Findings:

  • Scedosporium apiospermum caused invasive cerebral mycosis.
  • The infection proved fatal despite potential antifungal treatments.
  • Histological misidentification with Aspergillus is a diagnostic concern.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Scedosporium apiospermum to cause severe, life-threatening infections, even in immunocompetent individuals.
  • It highlights the diagnostic challenges, including histological differentiation and antifungal resistance.
  • Effective management strategies for Pseudallescheria mycosis require further investigation.

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