The first described case of Lodderomyces elongisporus meningitis

Abstract

We describe the first documented case of meningitis caused by Lodderomyces elongisporus. Identification of L. elongisporus was made on the basis of an arachnoid biopsy with pathology samples sent for fungal internal transcribed spacer sequencing after multiple central nervous system (CNS) fungal culture specimens were negative. After final diagnosis, treatment was transitioned from amphotericin to fluconazole, which, combined with insertion of lumbar drain followed by a permanent ventriculopleural shunt, resulted in significant clinical improvement. Our report reviews the literature of (1) cases of L. elongisporus, which almost exclusively describe fungemia or endocarditis; (2) CNS infections caused by Candida parapsilosis, an organism with which L. elongisporus was previously conflated; and (3) management of fungal meningitis–associated hydrocephalus.

Disseminated Lodderomyces elongisporus and Pantoea dispersa: A Rare Dual Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient

“…On the other hand, invasive fungal infection is commonly found in immunocompromised people [10]. The infection source in most Lodderomyces elongisporus cases was bloodstream infections with documented organ involvement such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis [15,16]. This raises suspicion that this yeast could have been responsible for causing the dissemination of the disease.…”

Genomic Analyses of a Fungemia Outbreak Caused by Lodderomyces elongisporus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Delhi, India

“…Though overall infrequent, L. elongisporus infections have been mainly reported as sporadic cases occurring primarily in adult patients with intravenous drug use and in patients with cardiac-related conditions ( 10 , 12 , 19 , 20 ). Invasive fungal infections caused by L. elongisporus have been reported from diverse geographical regions including countries in the Middle East and East Asia, as well as from India, Spain, Australia, North America, and Canada ( 21 – 23 ). Recently, L. elongisporus bloodstream infections were reported in three infants and five adults in a single center in North India.…”

Identification of Pathogenic and Opportunistic Yeasts in Pigeon Excreta by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Their Prevalence in Chon Buri Province, Thailand

“…The pathogenesis of L. elongisporus is still unknown; however, a progressive fungemia has been reported in a 71-year-old woman [ 33 ], and recently in a premature, extremely low-birth-weight neonate [ 34 ]. In addition, the first case of meningitis caused by L. elongisporus was reported a 62-year-old man [ 35 ].…”