Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to a novel species: report of a case and review of the literature

Transplantation. 2001 May 15;71(9):1343-6. doi: 10.1097/00007890-200105150-00029.

Abstract

Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a rare disease caused by dematiaceous (darkly pigmented) fungi. Cladophialophora species are highly neurotropic, and Cladophialophora bantiana (synonym=Xylohypha bantiana or C. trichoides) is the most commonly identified agent. Most reported cases of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis have occurred in immunocompetent patients; however, some case reports and experimental data have suggested that cellular immune deficiency is a risk factor. We report a case of pulmonary and cerebral phaeohyphomycosis in a cardiac transplant patient due to a newly identified species of Cladophialophora. Optimal management includes both antifungal therapy and surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / microbiology*
  • Central Nervous System Fungal Infections / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Mycoses / immunology
  • Phialophora / isolation & purification