Abstract
We report a rare case of a fatal Saprochaete capitata breakthrough infection in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia receiving empirical caspofungin therapy. S. capitata is an uncommon, yet emerging cause of invasive infections, especially in patients with haematological malignancies. Blood cultures from our patient yielded S. capitata which was found to be resistant, in vitro, to caspofungin. We consecutively reviewed all published cases of breakthrough infections caused by S. capitata in patients receiving echinocandins. S. capitata should be considered in those patients who remain febrile or who develop invasive mould infections while under echinocandin therapy.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
This paper was first published online on Early Online on 25 November 2010.