MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

A Case of Pulmonary Infection Due to Magnusiomyces capitatus in a Non-Immunocompromised Patient with Cerebral Palsy

Summary

A young man with cerebral palsy developed a rare lung infection caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus, a fungus that usually only affects people with weakened immune systems. Doctors diagnosed the infection by analyzing fluid from his lungs and identified the fungus using advanced laboratory techniques. The patient improved after being treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole. This case highlights that this rare fungal infection can occur in otherwise healthy people, especially those with conditions affecting their ability to clear lung secretions.

Background

Magnusiomyces capitatus is a rare dimorphic opportunistic fungus rarely reported in Asia. M. capitatus infection is commonly associated with hematologic tumors and compromised immunity. Reports in non-immunocompromised patients are uncommon.

Objective

To report a rare case of pulmonary M. capitatus infection in a young, non-immunocompromised patient with cerebral palsy and spinal deformity. To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes in this unusual presentation.

Results

M. capitatus was cultured from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid multiple times with MIC values showing susceptibility to voriconazole (0.25 mg/L). Patient’s condition improved after voriconazole treatment with decreased inflammatory markers and imaging improvement on follow-up CT after 14 days.

Conclusion

M. capitatus infection may be underestimated in non-immunocompromised individuals. Timely microscopic examination and accurate identification using MALDI-TOF MS or ITS sequencing are vital for diagnosis. Voriconazole is an effective alternative when amphotericin B is unavailable.
  • Published in:Infection and Drug Resistance,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 39411503, DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S471082
Scroll to Top