Abstract
Infections caused by rarely encountered fungal pathogens have increased in recent decades. The present study describes a disseminated infection caused by Phialemonium curvatum, and reviews the literature in an effort to summarize prior experiences with this unusual pathogen. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of a new case due to Phialemonium are presented. The case is analysed with 19 other which have appeared in the literature since 1986. Ten cases were sporadic infections, while the others were associated with three small outbreaks. In all but our patient the skin′s natural barrier was compromised (15/20 [75%]) and immunosuppression was a factor in the majority of cases (14/20 [70%]). Dissemination was noted in 83% (5/6) of the immunocompetent patients and in 57% (8/14) of immunocompromised patients. Endocarditis was the most frequent form of infection (8/20 [40%]). Blood cultures were positive in 92% (12/13) of those with disseminated disease. The mortality rate was 54% (7/13) among those with disseminated infections, but fatal outcomes were not observed in patients receiving treatment with itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole. The in vitro susceptibility of Phialemonium indicated a more consistent level of activity for voriconazole and posaconazole. Although infections usually occur when there is a breakdown in the skin the skin barrier or host defences are weakened, our case points out that infections due to Phialemonium species may occur in patients without these risk factors. The most frequent form of Phialemonium infections is endovascular, often with endocarditis and positive blood cultures, associated with high mortality rates. Treatment with the new triazoles is associated with improved survival.
Acknowledgements
Sources of financial support: Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo holds a predoctoral fellowship from the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (Grant FI05/00856). This study was funded in part by grant PI05/32 from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.
Potential conflict of interest: In the past 5 years, J.L.R.T. has received grant support from Astellas Pharma, Gilead Sciences, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Pfizer, Schering Plough, Soria Melguizo SA, the European Union, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Education, The Spanish Health Research Fund, The Instituto de Salud Carlos III, The Ramon Areces Foundation, The Mutua Madrileña Foundation. He has been an advisor/consultant to the Panamerican Health Organization, Gilead Sciences, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Myconostica, Pfizer, and Schering Plough. He has been paid for talks on behalf of Gilead Sciences, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Pfizer, and Schering Plough. Other authors: no conflict.
This paper was first published online on iFirst on 17 March 2009.