Unusual case of otomycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis (original) (raw)

Saksenaea dorisiaesp. nov., a New Opportunistic Pathogenic Fungus from Europe

International Journal of Microbiology

A new species,Saksenaea dorisiae(Mucoromycotina, Mucorales), isolated from a water sample originating from a private well in Manastirica, Petrovac, in the Republic of Serbia (Europe), is described and illustrated. The new taxon is well supported by multilocus phylogenetic analysis that included the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene (LSU), and translation elongation factor-1αgene (tef-1α), and it is resolved in a clade withS. oblongisporaandS. trapezispora. This fungus is characterized by its moderately slow growth at 15 and 37°C, sparse rhizoids, conical-shaped sporangia, and short-cylindrical sporangiospores.Saksenaea dorisiaeis a member of the opportunistic pathogenic genus often involved in severe human and animal mucormycoses encountered in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its sensitivity to several conventional antifungals (terbinafine and ciclopirox), the fungus can potentially evoke clinically challenging infections. Thi...

A New European Species of The Opportunistic Pathogenic Genus Saksenaea – S. dorisiae Sp. Nov

A new species Saksenaea dorisiae (Mucoromycotina, Mucorales), recently isolated from a water sample originating from a private well in a rural area of Serbia (Europe), is described and illustrated. The new taxon is well supported by phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene (LSU), and translation elongation factor-1α gene (TEF-1α), and it is resolved in a clade with S. oblongispora and S. trapezispora. This fungus is characteristic by its moderately slow growth at 15 and 37°C, sparse rhizoids, conical-shaped sporangia and short-cylindrical sporangiospores. S. dorisiae is a member of the opportunistic pathogenic genus often involved in severe human and animal mucormycoses encountered in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its sensitivity to several conventional antifungals (terbinafine and ciclopirox), the fungus is potentially causing clinically challenging infections. This is the first novel taxon of the genu...

Molecular Phylogeny and Proposal of Two New Species of the Emerging Pathogenic Fungus Saksenaea

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2010

Saksenaea is a monotypic genus belonging to the order Mucorales and capable of producing severe human infections. Through a polyphasic study based on analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene, and the elongation factor 1␣ (EF-1␣) gene, as well as by evaluation of relevant morphological and physiological characteristics of a set of clinical and environmental strains, we have demonstrated that Saksenaea vasiformis is a complex of species. We propose as new species Saksenaea oblongispora, characterized by oblong sporangiospores and unable to grow at 42°C, and Saksenaea erythrospora, characterized by large sporangiophores and sporangia and by ellipsoid sporangiospores, biconcave in the lateral view. Itraconazole, posaconazole, and terbinafine were active against all isolates included in the study, while amphotericin B, voriconazole, and the echinocandins showed low activity.

Mucormicosys due to Saksenaea vasiformis in a dog

Medical Mycology Case Reports, 2017

A 2-year-old female Border collie was examined for dermatitis with a partial alopecic zone around her left front member. Six months later the lesion became swollen, alopecic with ulcerated areas. Microscopy analysis of samples showed numerous non-septate, branching, thin-walled and irregular shaped hyphal elements. Fungal cultures and molecular studies identified Saksenaea vasiformis. Treatments with griseofulvin, itraconazole and surgical debridement were used, however, fourteen months later the dog was euthanatized because of the unfavorable clinical outcome.

Rare pediatric rhino-orbital infection caused by Saksenaea vasiformis

Infection, 2012

Rhinosinusitis infection due to Saksenaea vasiformis is extremely rare. The present case describes a rhino-orbital infection in a 21-month-old Chadian immunocompetent male child with a 2-month history of excessive tearing from the right eye, followed by swelling of the right upper and lower eye lids, associated with right facial swelling and dark coloration surrounding the lower eye lid. Coronal computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses showed opacification of the right nasal cavities with extension to the orbit. Non-septate fungal hyphae were diagnosed by tissue sections and a Blankophor P fluorescent stain microscopy. The culture grew zygomycetes, S. vasiformis that failed to sporulate on Sabouraud dextrose agar, the organism was sporulated after 1 week on Czapek agar medium, and produced flask-shaped brown pigmented sporangium with lateral rhizoids and hemispherical columella filled with spores. The patient underwent a right functional endoscopic sinus surgery, where debridement of both right maxillary and ethmoid sinuses was done. Treatment with amphotericin B lipid complex was started and continued for 41 days. The patient was clinically doing better with decreased eye and facial swelling, and his erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased to normal values. The patient continued with treatment on posaconazole after his discharge, and his condition resolved without further sequelae. Rhinosinusitis due to mucormycosis should be considered in any patient, even in young children, presenting with progressive rhinosinusitis infection, whether immunocompromised or not. Early diagnosis may lead to a successful treatment and good prognosis.

Human Fungal Pathogens of Mucorales and Entomophthorales

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 2014

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of immunocompromised cohorts as a result of infections and/or medical conditions, which has resulted in an increased incidence of fungal infections. Although rare, the incidence of infections caused by fungi belonging to basal fungal lineages is also continuously increasing. Basal fungal lineages diverged at an early point during the evolution of the fungal lineage, in which, in a simplified four-phylum fungal kingdom, Zygomycota and Chytridiomycota belong to the basal fungi, distinguishing them from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Currently there are no known human infections caused by fungi in Chytridiomycota; only Zygomycotan fungi are known to infect humans. Hence, infections caused by zygomycetes have been called zygomycosis, and the term "zygomycosis" is often used as a synonym for "mucormycosis." In the four-phylum fungal kingdom system, Zygomycota is classified mainly based on morphology, including the...

The Deadly Fungus-A Case Series of Rhino-Facial Mucormycosis in Uncontrolled Diabetes

Texila International Journal of Public Health, 2024

Mucormycosis is more common in conditions like uncontrolled diabetes Fungal infection invades body through inhalation of spores by nose /mouth or by skin laceration. Successful management of the deadly fatal infection requires early diagnosis of the disease and proper management for the aggressive disease. We hereby report a case of mucormycosis of the maxillary sinus in an uncontrolled diabetic patient. 47-year-old male complaints of facial pain, nasal block and headache . ENT examination revealed DNS to right with spur, left middle turbinate shows fungal debris with purulent discharge and middle meatus appears normal. Investigations revealed FBS 184 mg/dl and PBS 267 mg/dl . FESS surgery done and the specimen show Microscopically - mucormycosis. 52-year-old male chief complaints of headache , toothache and nasal block. ENT DNS to right, left middle turbinate hypertrophy with necrotic debris. FBS 289 mg/dl and PBS 380 mg/dl . FESS surgery done and the specimen was reported mucormycosis. A 48-year-old female chief complaints of bleeding nose, fever, nasal blockade and headache . ENT show DNS left with middle turbinate hypertrophy. FBS 214 mg/dl and PPBS 304 mg/dl .FESS surgery done, and the specimen was reported as mucormycosis. PAS stain show fungal hyphae. deadly fungal infection mucormycosis, Early detection and diagnosis of a such a dangerous invasive infection and proper management at the right time is essential for the overall survival and outcome for the patient.

Fungal profile of otomycosis in a sample of egyptian patients in Zagazig university hospitals: A prospective study

Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 2020

Background: Otomycosis has been described as fungal infection of the external auditory canal with infrequent complications involving the middle ear. Otomycosis is challenging for both patients and otolaryngologist as it frequently requires long term treatment and follow up. Inspite of proper treatment and follow up, the recurrence rate remains high. The aim of current study is to detect the most common fungi in otomycosis patients and determine its risk factors. Methods: The study included 194 patients clinically diagnosed with otomycosis. Each swab is subjected to direct microscopic examination with 10 % KOH and culture on Sabroud's dextrose agar (SDA) and blood agar. Filamentous fungal growth is identified by macro-and micro morphological characteristics. Yeast like growth is identified by (API 20C) AUX. Results: The mean age ±SD of the patients was 24.18± 15.9 years. Males (n=106,54%), were more vulnerable to otomycosis than females (n=88, 45%). The most common presenting symptom was otorrhea and pruritus (n= 78 ,40%) with unilateral involvement being more common. The most common predisposing factor is self-cleaning (n=84 ,43%) followed by topical antibiotic ear drops with steroid use (n=30,15%). Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common fungus causing otomycosis in this study (n=70, 36%) followed by Candida tropicalis (n=28,16%). Positive fungal cultures were observed in 180 specimens (90%). Conclusion: Otomycosis was common in people with the bad habit of self-cleaning with unsterilized objects and using unnecessary steroid containing ear drops. Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida tropicalis were the most prevalent isolated fungi in otomycosis patients.