Successful Treatment of Scedosporium Sinusitis in Two Lung Transplant Recipients: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Management

Systemic Scedosporium apiospermum Infection Affecting Multiple Sites After Near-Drowning: A Case Report

Scedosporium apiospermum (S. apiospermum) can cause fungal infections in near-drowning victims, and an increasing number of cases have been reported. However, cases of bone and joint infections caused by S. apiospermum are rare. In this case, a 35-year-old otherwise healthy Chinese female presented with aspiration pneumonia and knee arthritis after accidentally falling into sewage and near-drowning and underwent macrogenomic second-generation sequencing of arthrocentesis fluid, which showed S. apiospermum. However, new lesions involving the hip joint and spine continued to develop under voriconazole monotherapy. The patient was treated with voriconazole combined with amphotericin B cholesterol sulfate lipid complex for 30 consecutive days. The patient's symptoms improved significantly. This case highlights the robust invasiveness of S. apiospermum and the extensive spread of infection, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. A combined therapeutic approach may offer a safe and efficacious option for managing S. apiospermum infection.

Scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis: modern perspectives on these difficult-to-treat rare mold infections

SUMMARYAlthough Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans are uncommon causes of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), these infections are associated with high mortality and are costly to treat with a limited armamentarium of antifungal drugs. In light of recent advances, including in the area of new antifungals, the present review provides a timely and updated overview of these IFDs, with a focus on the taxonomy, clinical epidemiology, pathogenesis and host immune response, disease manifestations, diagnosis, antifungal susceptibility, and treatment. An expansion of hosts at risk for these difficult-to-treat infections has emerged over the last two decades given the increased use of, and broader population treated with, immunomodulatory and targeted molecular agents as well as wider adoption of antifungal prophylaxis. Clinical presentations differ not only between genera but also across the different Scedosporium species. L. prolificans is intrinsically resistant to most currently available antifungal agents, and the prognosis of immunocompromised patients with lomentosporiosis is poor. Development of, and improved access to, diagnostic modalities for early detection of these rare mold infections is paramount for timely targeted antifungal therapy and surgery if indicated. New antifungal agents (e.g., olorofim, fosmanogepix) with novel mechanisms of action and less cross-resistance to existing classes, availability of formulations for oral administration, and fewer drug-drug interactions are now in late-stage clinical trials, and soon, could extend options to treat scedosporiosis/lomentosporiosis. Much work remains to increase our understanding of these infections, especially in the pediatric setting. Knowledge gaps for future research are highlighted in the review.

Scedosporium Sinusitis: A Rare Opportunistic Infection

Scedosporium sinusitis is an opportunistic fungal infection that is difficult to treat due to its inherent resistance to many antifungal agents. Infections may cause both localized or disseminated disease usually in skin and soft tissues. Immunocompetent persons are typically unaffected and disseminated disease occurs in immunocompromised hosts. Scedosporiumis a common hyaline mold causing sinopulmonary disease in those with hematologic malignancies and neutropenia. A 38-year-old Caucasian male with a medical history significant for HIV with intermittent treatment compliance, high-grade diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) on chemotherapy, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) presented with right-sided facial pain and fever. Maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) showed thickening and opacification of the sphenoid and maxillary sinuses concerning for fungal sinusitis. Endoscopic transsphenoidal debridement showed fungal growth of Scedosporium and the patient's blood cultures were ultimately negative. The patient underwent debridement of fungal sinusitis as well as right medial maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy. A three-month course of voriconazole was started and completed with weekly liver enzyme tests to monitor medication side effects. He has since been observed well as an outpatient with his oncologist after three months loss to follow-up and his infection has resolved.

Lomentospora prolificans: An Emerging Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals leading to disseminated disease with high mortality rates while also causing infections in healthy populations. Successful recovery from infection is difficult due to high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals. Rapid and readily available diagnostic methods, aggressive surgical debridement wherever appropriate, and effective and timely antifungal treatment are the pillars for successful management. Future research will need to clarify the environmental niche of the fungus, further investigate the pathophysiology of infection and define species-specific therapeutic targets.

Multiresistant organisms: bacteria and beyond

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Infections with multiresistant organisms are an emerging problem, cause early mortality post lung transplantation and are sometimes associated with graft dysfunction. Frequently they raise questions about the selection of lung transplant candidates and therapeutic management post lung transplantation. There are no guidelines and management must be individualized. This review summarizes the available therapeutic options in cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms and outcomes after lung transplant.

RECENT FINDINGS

Improvements in diagnosis, new and more effective drugs and the experience gained in the management of these infections in lung transplantation, lead to a more optimistic horizon than that found a decade ago.

SUMMARY

Update on the management of Burkholderia cepacia complex, Mycobacterium abscessus complex, Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans infections. This review clarifies current posttransplant outcomes and adds a little hope in these scenarios.

Recent developments in less known and multi-resistant fungal opportunists

Fungal infections have increased in recent years due to host factors, such as oncohaematological and transplant-related disorders, immunosuppressive therapy, and AIDS. Additionally, molecular and proteomic facilities have become available to identify previously unrecognizable opportunists. For these reasons, reports on less-known and recalcitrant mycoses, such as those caused by black fungi, hyaline filamentous fungi, coelomycetes, Mucorales, and non-Candida yeasts have emerged. In this review, novel taxonomy in these groups, which often are multi-resistant to one or several classes of antifungals, is discussed. Clinical presentations, diagnosis and current treatment of some major groups are summarised.