India: First reported case of human infected with a fungal plant parasite
(Soma Dutta, Ujjwayini Ray/Medical Mycology Case Reports, 2023 https://bit.ly/3K2DzGj)
An Indian mycologist who studied plant pathogens in dead trees became infected with the tree parasitic fungus Chondrostereum purpureum for the first time in history.
The patient had no immune disorders, including HIV infection and diabetes, and was not taking immunosuppressants.
Chondrostereum purpureum usually parasitizes living trees, causing "silvery sheen" - a disease in which the fungus covers the branches and leaves of trees.
Then the fungus grows in numerous tiled groups on the trunk (both live and dead).
With the further development of the disease, the wood is destroyed and rots, and the fungus continues to live in it.
Plant parasites (including fungi) are opportunistic pathogens, but in immunocompromised people.
However, doctors of the Apollo Hospital described the case of a 61-year-old Indian mycologist who worked on the plant parasitic fungus, C. purpureum.
THE CASE
The patient went to the hospital complaining of a hoarse voice, cough and difficulty in swallowing.
In addition, he was worried about constant fatigue and weight loss for three months.
The patient did not suffer from diabetes, HIV infection and chronic diseases of the internal organs.
He was not taking immunosuppressive drugs and had no recent injuries.
The chest x-ray showed no abnormalities.
Computed tomography (CT) of the neck revealed a paratracheal abscess on the right, which was opened under CT control and the contents were aspirated.
(Soma Dutta, Ujjwayini Ray/Medical Mycology Case Reports, 2023 https://bit.ly/3M6i7mw)
Histological examination of the aspirate showed neutrophils and cells of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea against the background of hemorrhagic necrosis.
Bacteriological examination of the aspirate did not reveal pathogens (including mycobacteria), and staining for fungi showed septate hyphae.
After inoculation of purulent aspirate after 4-5 days of incubation, a creamy-pasty colony with a yellowish-brown tint grew at the base.
When stained, doctors found round and tubular fungal elements.
THE CULPRIT
Since the doctors were unable to identify the fungus by morphology, they sent the samples to a World Health Organization-certified laboratory for DNA sequencing.
The analysis showed that the DNA of Chondrostereum purpureum was present in the aspirate.
The patient denied that he interacted with this fungal plant pathogen in his work, but confirmed that he had worked with decaying wood for a long time.
The pus was completely drained from the abscess cavity and the patient was put on a voriconazole regimen.
Fortunately, two years after the recovery, the patient was absolutely healthy, there was no recurrence of the infection.
Sources:
- Medical Mycology Case Reports: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211753923000106?via%3Dihub
- IFLS: https://www.iflscience.com/first-case-of-human-infection-by-silverleaf-fungus-that-usually-infects-trees-68227
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