Newsbite: A Rare Aspergillosis Mimic

Submitted by Aspergillus Administrator on 25 November 2011

Myceliophthora thermophila is a thermophilic mould widely found in the environment
but rarely responsible for human infections. We describe a case of invasive Myceliophthora
thermophila infection mimicking invasive aspergillosis in a neutropenic patient
with haematological malignancy. Cross-reactivity with Aspergillus galactomannan assay
(GM) was demonstrated by repeated positive results and confirmed by cross-reaction
between the fungal isolate and the GM assay. The patient was successfully treated with
voriconazole. Potential GM cross-reactivity must be considered in future studies including
patients categorized as having probable invasive aspergillosis using the GM as the
only mycological criterion. more…