Non-Aspergillus Fungal Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Abstract

Management of Aspergillus infection in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients remains a challenge even in new azoles era. However, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of non-Aspergillus fungal infection (NAFI) in CGD setting are poorly described. NAFI appears to be rare in CGD patients and receiving antifungal prophylaxis. Clinical presentation is not specific of fungal species and patients often suffer from mild disease with prolonged course. While candidiasis and mucormycosis are also common in other immunocompromised population, infections caused by Phellinus tropicalis, Trichosporon inkin, and Rasamsonia argillacea have a unique predilection for CGD patients. Improved fungal identification with molecular methods allows description of new fungal species. The available data for NAFI during CGD are limited and based on case reports and small series. Invasive tissue biopsies and advanced molecular methods are often required for diagnosis and guiding antifungal strategy in addition to a close collaboration between clinician, pathologist, and mycologist.