DISSEMINATED HYALOHYPHOMYCOSIS CAUSED BY A NOVEL HUMAN PATHOGEN, FUSARIUM-NAPIFORME

Fusarium species are saprophytic molds and important plant pathogens, although they are increasingly recognized as agents of human mycosis. Frequently, the infection is superficial. Deep tissue infection may oc cur as an opportunistic hyalohyphomycosis, and wide dissemination is c ommon in immunocompromised hosts. We describe a novel case of dissemin ated hyalohyphomycosis caused by F. napiforme in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. The clinical manifestations of this infection we re similar to those attributed to infection with other species. In vit ro susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to amphotericin B an d flucytosine, and progressive infection was documented until recovery of granulocyte function. The distinguishing clinical mycologic charac teristics of this opportunistic mold are the unique turnip- or lemon-s haped microconidia. F. napiforme is a new agent of hyalohyphomycosis, further emphasizing the importance of Fusarium species as opportunisti c molds.