Disseminated cutaneous Curvularia infection in an immunocompromised host; diagnostic challenges and experience with voriconazole. (7th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balla, Agnes; Pierson, Joseph; Hugh, Jeremy; Wojewoda, Christina; Gibson, Pamela; Greene, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous pathology. Volume 43:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 383
• Page End: 387
• Publication Date: 2015-12-07
• Subjects: acute myelogenous leukemia -- fungal infection -- infectious diseases -- molecular pathology -- pathology dermatopathology; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.12648
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6987

Abstract

Abstract : An increasing spectrum and number of opportunistic fungal pathogens have been reported to cause disease in humans over the past decade. Disseminated phaeohyphomycoses caused by rare dematiaceous molds in immunocompromised patients have a high mortality rate and are increasingly reported in the literature. Early diagnosis of disseminated phaehyphomycosis is critical especially in neutropenic patients but can be hindered by the low sensitivity of fungal blood cultures and low clinical suspicion. Cutaneous manifestations are often the earliest sign of disease and conducting a thorough skin exam in febrile neutropenic patients can lead to more rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment. PCR amplification and sequencing of mold RNA extracted from paraffin‐embedded tissue can be useful for diagnosing rare fungal infections when negative fungal cultures preclude morphologic diagnosis. Effective treatment for disseminated phaehyphomycosis is lacking and there is a need to report experiences with the use of newer antifungals.