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Invasive Saprochaete capitata Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

Summary

A 46-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal infection caused by Saprochaete capitata during chemotherapy. This rare but dangerous fungus was found in his blood and lungs, causing fever and breathing problems. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications and fully recovered, though this infection typically has a high death rate.

Background

Saprochaete capitata is a rare but emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes potentially life-threatening invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological malignancies and profound neutropenia. The organism is resistant to both echinocandins and fluconazole, presenting significant treatment challenges with no established optimal therapeutic strategy.

Objective

To report a case of invasive S. capitata infection with fungemia and pulmonary involvement in a severely immunocompromised patient with acute myeloid leukemia during post-chemotherapy aplasia, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy.

Results

S. capitata was isolated from blood cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The pathogen demonstrated sensitivity to amphotericin B and voriconazole but resistance to echinocandins and fluconazole. The patient was successfully treated with combination antifungal therapy including liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, resulting in clinical and microbiological resolution.

Conclusion

This case highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy in immunocompromised patients with suspected S. capitata infection. Despite its rarity, S. capitata should be considered in the differential diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies and profound neutropenia to reduce associated mortality and morbidity.
  • Published in:Cureus,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40605907, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85236
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