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Brain abscess caused by Schizophyllum commune: an emerging basidiomycete pathogen
J D Rihs1, A A Padhye, C B Good
1Department of Microbiology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15240, USA.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
This case study documents the first severe pulmonary infection caused by Schizophyllum commune, a fungus that spread to the brain in an immunocompromised patient. The rare fungal infection was ultimately fatal despite aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Schizophyllum commune is a globally distributed fungus.
- Human infections by S. commune are exceptionally rare.
- Corticosteroid therapy can increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old patient on corticosteroid therapy developed a pulmonary infection.
- Disseminated infection led to ring-enhancing brain masses.
- Histopathology revealed characteristic fungal hyphae with clamp connections.
Findings:
- S. commune was isolated from lung tissue cultures.
- The fungus produced characteristic fruiting bodies on Czapek's agar.
- The S. commune isolate showed susceptibility to amphotericin B and fluconazole.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for S. commune to cause severe invasive disease in immunocompromised individuals.
- Early recognition and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for managing rare fungal infections.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and risk factors for S. commune infections.