Disseminated Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum) infection in a renal transplant patient

Abstract

Transplant recipients receive a number of immunosuppressive medications that result in an increased risk of infection, including infections with microbes that are normally not pathogenic. We describe a patient with end-stage renal disease who underwent kidney transplantation. Six months postoperatively, he presented with a lesion on his ankle, multiple thigh nodules, and right testicular pain. Biopsy of the ankle lesion demonstrated Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum), a common environmental fungus. Following orchiectomy, multiple fungal elements were found that were initially described as Aspergillus species, but later identified as P. boydii. In addition, multiple brain abscesses were found on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite treatment with multiple antifungal medications, the patient died of cardiac dysrhythmia. Current diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for P. boydii are reviewed.