Fatal DisseminatedFusariumInfection in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patient

Abstract

Systemic mycotic infections have been increasing in incidence in immunocompromised patients. Although yeasts are most often isolated, opportunistic fungal infections may also be caused by filamentous fungi, includingAspergillusandFusarium. LikeAspergillus,Fusariumis angioinvasive with an ability to disseminate widely. Disseminated fusariosis is most commonly linked to prolonged neutropenia. Disseminated infections due toFusariumare rare in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients but have been reported in HIV positive patients with neutropenia and lymphoma. We describe an HIV positive patient without neutropenia, skin lesions, or concomitant malignancy, who developed fatal disseminated infection with possible endocarditis due toFusarium solani. Early identification ofFusariumis important because of its high level of resistance to several antifungal drugs, with response often requiring combination therapy.