ABSTRACT
There were series of proven cases revealing opportunistic fungal infections in the cornea, cutaneous, subcutaneous and renal transplant patients. Renal involvements of opportunistic mold in immunocompromised especially in renal transplant recipients have remained a significant problem and a major cause of death worldwide. However, extensive literature reviews revealed no case of invasion in urolithiasis and rarely reported in endophthalmitis. Here, we report the case series of two rare cases related to a dematiaceous fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans. Both had an atypical presentation. Possible modes of entry and dissemination were discussed. Invasive surgical procedures, frequent uses of antibiotics and steroid could possibly predispose to its invasion in immunocompromised patients. This organism was identified through molecular techniques since culture yielded no growth. There was a good outcome following surgical intervention in both cases.
ABSTRACT
Leptospirosis is a febrile zoonotic disease. Routine diagnosis of leptospirosis is based on the detection of specific antibodies with serological tests. The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of immunochromatographic assay (ICA), ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test kit from Korea, in rapid screening of acute leptospirosis in emergency cases with limited expertise. A total of 197 serum samples (93 positive, 104 negative) were selected randomly. The test has good diagnostic sensitivity 73% and specificity 90%. With positive predictive value of 87% and negative predictive value of 79%, this reassures patients have higher chance of correct diagnosis. This ICA is acceptable for screening of leptospirosis but confirmation with microscopic agglutination test should follow.