Epidemiological study ofTrichosporon asahiiinfections over the past 23 years

Abstract

Trichosporon is a yeast-like basidiomycete, a conditional pathogenic fungus that is rare in the clinic but often causes fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Trichosporon asahii is the most common pathogenic fungus in this genus and the occurrence of infections has dramatically increased in recent years. Here, we report a systematic literature review detailing 140 cases of T. asahii infection reported during the past 23 years. Statistical analysis shows that T. asahii infections were most frequently reported within immunodeficient or immunocompromised patients commonly with blood diseases. Antibiotic use, invasive medical equipment and chemotherapy were the leading risk factors for acquiring infection. In vitro susceptibility, clinical information and prognosis analysis showed that voriconazole is the primary drug of choice in the treatment of T. asahii infection. Combination treatment with voriconazole and amphotericin B did not show superiority over either drug alone. Finally, we found that the types of infections prevalent in China are significantly different from those in other countries. These results provide detailed information and relevant clinical treatment strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of T. asahii infection.

Trichosporon asahii fungemia and COVID-19 co-infection: An emerging fungal pathogen; case report and review of the literature

“…Trichosporon spp are yeast-like fungi that are present in the natural flora of the human body; however, they can become pathogenic with a wide spectrum of infections, ranging from superficial white piedra in immunocompetent individuals to fungemia and other invasive trichosporonosis in the immunocompromised host [2] . T. asahii is the most commonly identified pathogen in the genus with more than 70% reported mortality in invasive trichosporonosis [1] . The 30-day mortality of COVID-19 related T. asahii fungemia was 80% despite Voriconazole therapy [6] .…”

“…Trichosporon is a non-Candida, environmental yeast-like basidiomycete, an emerging fatal opportunistic fungal infection that predominantly occurs in immunocompromised individuals, particularly in hematological malignancies [1] . Trichosporon asahii is the most common fungus in this genus and causes considerable mortality [2] .…”

“…Trichosporon asahii is the most common fungus in this genus and causes considerable mortality [2] . Other risk factors for invasive trichosporonosis are antibiotic use, AIDS, use of corticosteroids, long ICU stay, presence of central venous catheters (CVC), and invasive medical equipment [1] . The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of catastrophic immunological storms in patients with severe COVID-19 illnesses have promoted the use of various therapeutic interventions including immunosuppressive therapy [3] , [4] .…”

“…Thus, provoking the emergence of latent and opportunistic coinfections including multidrug-resistant organisms and fungal infections [5] . Timely identification of Trichosporon fungemia and early Voriconazole use is crucial to avoid ominous outcomes [1] .…”

Retrospective assessment of fungal pathogens isolated from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

“…They are causes of fatal infections in immunosuppressive patients, especially those with hematological cancers. Trichosporon infections have dramatically increased in recent years [31]. Urinary tract infections due to T. asahii, associated with indwelling medical devices, have been reported for years.…”