Disseminated Rhinocladiella mackenziei infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rhinocladiella mackenziei is a rare fungal pathogen which belongs to a large group of pigmented fungi causing phaeohyphomycosis. R. mackenziei primarily infects the brain and leads to high fatality rates among both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Among solid organ transplant recipients, the infection may disseminate to extra-neuronal sites, necessitating comprehensive radiologic imaging. Here we describe a new case of R. mackenziei infection in a renal transplant patient involving the brain and renal allograft. She received liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole but no surgical intervention. Ultimately, the patient died after two months of hospital stay. A review of all reported cases of transplant patients infected with R. mackenziei is also presented.

Keywords: Brain; Middle East; Phaeohyphomycosis; Rhinocladiella mackenziei; Transplant.