Fatal disseminated infection due to Scedosporium prolificans in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and posaconazole prophylaxis.

摘要

Scedosporium spp. are dematiaceous molds increasingly reported as opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies such as those with acute leukemia, or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients [1]. Until recently, only two species were known in the genus: Scedosporium prolificans (unknown asexual state) and Scedosporium apiospermum (anamorph of Pseudallescheria boydii). Recently, molecular data have modified the taxonomy of P. boydii and 5. apiospermum, and they are now clearly recognized as distinct taxa. Several new species have also been described that delineate a new fungal complex, though knowledge about habitats and a potential reservoir is still not completely clear. Generally, they are found as saprophytes in environments such as agricultural or garden soil, crude oil-infested soil, playgrounds, or natural or man-made niches [2,3].