Related Experiment Videos
Dematiaceous fungi are an increasing cause of human disease
S N Rossmann1, P L Cernoch, J R Davis
1Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
The dematiaceous fungi appear to be an increasing cause of human disease. At The Methodist Hospital, in Houston, Texas, five cases of serious disease caused by these fungi occurred between 1987 and 1992. Cerebral abscesses with Xylohypha bantiana followed treatment for lymphoma. An infection of the lower extremity with Exophiala jeanselmei var. castellanii followed cardiac surgery. Peritoneal growth of Alternaria tenuissima was a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Cerebral abscesses with Dactylaria gallopava occurred in a liver transplantation patient. A traumatic ankle wound contaminated with dirt led to an infection with Phialophora repens. All patients except the last were immunocompromised at the time of the infection; diabetics and patients on steroids may be at particular risk.
Insights
Dematiaceous fungi are an emerging threat, causing serious infections in immunocompromised patients. These serious fungal infections highlight the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Dematiaceous fungi are increasingly recognized as human pathogens.
- This study reviews serious infections caused by these fungi.
Observation:
- Five cases of serious dematiaceous fungal infections were documented between 1987 and 1992 at The Methodist Hospital.
- Infections included cerebral abscesses (Xylohypha bantiana, Dactylaria gallopava), lower extremity infection (Exophiala jeanselmei var. castellanii), peritoneal infection (Alternaria tenuissima), and ankle wound infection (Phialophora repens).
Findings:
- Cerebral abscesses occurred post-lymphoma treatment and liver transplantation.
- Lower extremity and peritoneal infections followed cardiac surgery and peritoneal dialysis, respectively.
- A traumatic ankle wound led to Phialophora repens infection.
Implications:
- Immunocompromised individuals, particularly diabetics and those on steroids, are at heightened risk.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these severe fungal infections.
- Increased clinical awareness of dematiaceous fungi is warranted.