SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL ASPERGILLOSIS WITH A NOVEL TRIAZOLE (VORICONAZOLE) IN A PATIENT WITH ACUTE-LEUKEMIA

Invasive aspergillosis is an increasing problem in patients with acute leukaemia, bone marrow transplantation, immunosuppression after solid organ transplantation, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Despite available antifungal treatment, the mortality approaches 100% in pati ents with dissemination of the infection into the central nervous syst em (CNS). Using a novel triazole, voriconazole, we successfully treate d an Aspergillus brain abscess in a patient with acute leukaemia. Drug levels above the minimal fungicidal concentration for Aspergillus spe cies were detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens, and the tre atment achieved an objective response.