Disseminated fusariosis in immunocompromised patients

Abstract

Immunocompromised patients are at high risk of developing serious disseminated infections by opportunistic fungi (Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium spp), which frequently present as cutaneous lesions, sometimes as a first sign. Prolonged and deep neutropenia, immunodepressive treatments (systemic steroids and chemotherapy) and severe T-cell immunodeficiency are the most important risk factors. We report 2 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who developed multiple tender erythematous skin lesions on their legs and arms during chemotherapy treatment. Skin biopsies for histology and culture studies established the diagnosis of Fusarium infection. They received treatment with systemic antifungal and granulocyte colony-stimulting factor. The infection responded after recovering from neutropenia. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important to improve the prognosis, because these infections in immunodepressed hosts have a high mortality rate.