Possible Trichosporon asahii urinary tract infection in a critically ill COVID-19 patient

Author(s)

Vianello, Marco ; de Jesus, Daniel F. F. ; Sampaio, Jorge M. ; de Oliveira, Guilherme M. ; Lincopan, Nilton ; Ishida, Kelly

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE MICOLOGIA; v. 39, n. 2, p. 3-pg., 2022-04-01.

Abstract

Background: Trichosporon asahii, an emerging fungal pathogen, has been frequently associated with invasive infections in critically ill patients. Case report: A 74-year-old male patient diagnosed with COVID-19 was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). During hospitalization, the patient displayed episodes of bacteremia by Staphylococcus haemolyticus and a possible urinary tract infection by T. asahii. While the bacterial infection was successfully treated using broad-spectrum antibiotics, the fungal infection in the urinary tract was unsuccessfully treated with anidulafungin and persisted until the patient died. Conclusions: With the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, invasive fungal infections have been increasingly reported, mainly after taking immunosuppressant drugs associated with long-term broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Although Candida and Aspergillus are still the most prevalent invasive fungi, T. asahii and other agents have emerged in critically ill patients. Therefore, a proper surveillance and diagnosing any fungal infection are paramount, particularly in COVID-19 immunocompromised populations. (C) 2022 Asociacion Espanola de Micologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/01279-5 - Investigation of new targets and antifungal molecules on Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp.
• Grantee: Kelly Ishida
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants