Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy
08:50

Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy

Published on: June 2, 2011

Penicillium marneffei infection in a non-HIV infected child

E Y Kwan1, Y L Lau, K Y Yuen

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Hong Kong.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Penicillium marneffei infection can cause transient immunodeficiency in children. Treatment with gamma interferon, amphotericin B, and prolonged fluconazole successfully resolved the infection and prevented relapse.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Penicillium marneffei is a fungal pathogen endemic to Southeast Asia.
  • Infections can cause severe disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Understanding immune responses and treatment strategies is crucial for managing this infection.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 3.5-year-old Chinese boy presented with Penicillium marneffei infection.
  • The infection led to transient immunodeficiency affecting phagocytic and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
  • The patient's immune function recovered after treatment.

Findings:

  • Combination therapy with gamma interferon, amphotericin B, and a prolonged 1-year course of fluconazole was administered.
  • This treatment regimen successfully resolved the life-threatening infection.
  • The prolonged fluconazole course was effective in preventing relapse of the fungal infection.

Implications:

  • Gamma interferon, amphotericin B, and extended fluconazole therapy show promise for treating severe Penicillium marneffei infections.
  • This case highlights the potential for fungal infections to induce transient immune deficits.
  • Further research into the immunopathogenesis and optimal treatment of Penicillium marneffei is warranted.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases03:22

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases

Published on: March 1, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...