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Disseminated Infection due to Cylindrocarpon (Fusarium) lichenicola in a Neutropenic Patient with Acute Leukaemia: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

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Abstract

Described here is an unusual case of disseminated Cylindrocarpon lichenicola (Fusarium lichenicola) infection originating from a toenail lesion of a neutropenic woman with cellulitis of the foot and underlying acute leukaemia. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed multiple, ill-defined, nodular infiltrates with alveolar consolidation. The fungus was isolated from both the nail and the skin of the infected toe. Susceptibility testing revealed low minimum inhibitory concentrations for amphotericin B (0.78 µg/ml) and voriconazole (1.56 µg/ml) and high minimum inhibitory concentrations (>100 µg/ml) for fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The infection resolved after treatment with a total dose of 1 g of amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole and bone marrow regeneration.

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Correspondence to H. Rodríguez-Villalobos.

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Rodríguez-Villalobos, H., Georgala, A., Beguin, H. et al. Disseminated Infection due to Cylindrocarpon (Fusarium) lichenicola in a Neutropenic Patient with Acute Leukaemia: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 22, 62–65 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-002-0851-9

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