Cluster of pulmonary infections caused by Cunninghamella bertholletiae in immunocompromised patients

Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Oct;31(4):910-3. doi: 10.1086/318144. Epub 2000 Oct 11.

Abstract

Cunninghamella bertholletiae is a rare cause of pulmonary mucormycosis. We describe a cluster of invasive pulmonary infections caused by C. bertholletiae in 4 immunocompromised patients that occurred during a 2-year period at 1 center. Three of the patients were receiving antifungal prophylaxis with itraconazole. Presenting symptoms were fever unresponsive to antibacterial chemotherapy, hemoptysis, and infiltrates on chest radiograms. Three patients were treated with liposomal amphotericin B. Only 1 patient survived.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Cunninghamella*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis / etiology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B