Talaromycosis in a Lung Cancer Patient: A Rare Case

Abstract

Emergent fungal infections are rare conditions that frequently cause death. Talaromycosis is a fungal infection caused by Talaromyces sp. that is predominantly prevalent in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by human immunodeficiency virus infection, but in recent years we have noticed increasing reports of cases in people with other underlying conditions. We report a case of talaromycosis in a Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer female patient undergoing whole brain radiation therapy who presented to us with increasing dyspnea, cough and fever. The diagnosis was based on sputum and blood cultures, and even though our patient received anti-fungal treatment, the outcome was fatal. This case shows that a high index of suspicion could be essential for such a highly lethal but potentially treatable fungal infection.

Triple Trouble: Disseminated Penicilliosis in a Cancer patient with COVID-19

“…17,18 As per the literature on talaromycosis in cancer patients, cases have been reported in lung cancer patients with favorable and poor outcomes. 5,19 However, in the former case, there was a relapse of the fungal infection, 5months after initial treatment. 5 We also found one case report of nodular Hodgkin's lymphoma patient and an ovarian cancer patient infected with talaromycosis.…”

“…5,19 However, in the former case, there was a relapse of the fungal infection, 5months after initial treatment. 5 We also found one case report of nodular Hodgkin's lymphoma patient and an ovarian cancer patient infected with talaromycosis. 20,21 In the latter case, Penicillium spp.…”

“…4 There are published reports in the literature showing penicilliosis infections in lung cancer patients. 5 In 1959, G. Segretain, a mycologist from the Pastur institute at Paris was the first person to discover penicilliosis. Symptomatology varies as per the system involved.…”

Role of Fungal Infections in Carcinogenesis and Cancer Development; A Literature Review

“…The patient received liposomal amphotericin B but she died due to a decrease in blood oxygen levels as well as a decrease in the level of blood cells. 84 Another study by Watanabe et al was conducted in 2019 on a 69-year-old man who underwent chemoradiotherapy due to LC but later developed SIPA (subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis), a disease caused by A. fumigatus , due to immunocompromised system. For the treatment of fungal infections, he received amphotericin B in combination with voriconazole.…”