Sporotrichoid cutaneous leishmaniasis: atypical form

Leishmaniasis comprises a heterogeneous and extensive group of infectious and non-contagious diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. It is a disease considered endemic in 92 countries, with at least 1 million new cases of integumentary forms annually. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in the tropics and neotropics. It is often referred to as a group of diseases because of the varied spectrum of clinical manifestations, which range from small cutaneous nodules to gross mucosal tissue destruction. Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be caused by several Leishmania spp. and is transmitted to human beings and animals by sandflies. Despite its increasing worldwide incidence, because it is rarely fatal, cutaneous leishmaniasis has become one of the so-called neglected diseases, In endemic countries, diagnosis is often made clinically and, if possible, by microscopic examination of lesion biopsy smears to visually confirm leishmania parasites as the cause. Cutaneous leishmaniasis often presents as an ulcerated lesion, with raised, infiltrated edges, classically described as frame-like edges at the site of the mosquito bite. We report an uncommon case of a patient who presented with a lesion on the face, sporotrichoid in appearance, and thigh, which appeared simultaneously, of clinical lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis, laboratory-confirmed and which showed excellent clinical evolution with the use of liposomal amphotericin B.

Amphotericin B in the management of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis

Background: Amphotericin B is considered the drug of choice for primary treatment of mucormycosis. During second wave of COVID-19 pandemic there was severe scarcity of liposomal amphotericin B. This study aims to determine role of various formulations of amphotericin and their side effects when used for the treatment of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary care centre. 380 patients with post-COVID rhino-orbito-cerebral mucromycosis (ROCM) were included in the study. Liposomal amphotericin B, conventional amphotericin deoxycholate, lipid complex amphotericin B was used in the treatment. Patients were observed for side effects like fever, chills, rigors, hypokalemia, renal function derangements, thrombophlebitis and respiratory difficulties. Results: Majority of patients received liposomal amphotericin B (331) and 31 patients received conventional amphotericin deoxycholate and 5 patients were given lipid complex amphotericin B injections. The most commonly encountered side effects were of the mild type constituting chills (98% with liposomal and 100% with amphotericin deoxycholate), and fever (94% with liposomal and 74% with amphotericin deoxycholate). Conclusions: Our study highlights the role of various formulations of amphotericin B in the treatment of COVID-19 mucormycosis.

A Comprehensive Review of Mucormycosis: A Black Fungus Disease Causing Mayhem in COVID-19 Patients

Mucormycosis is an in frequent devious fungal infection characterized by infarction and necrosis of host tissues that result from invasion of the vasculature by hyphae. The mortality rate of this infection is so high compared to COVID-19, because the maximum death cases were observed due to this infection occurred after post-recovery of COVID-19 or simultaneously. The urge of death cases Mucormycosis is acknowledged as an epidemic in various states of India.

Evaluation of liposomal amphotericin B for the treatment of fungal keratitis in a tertiary eye care hospital

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (L?AMB) for the treatment of fungal keratitis. Methods: Patients with fungal keratitis confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear and/ or confocal microscopy were administered topical L?AMB and randomized into three groups treated with three different formulations. The medication was administered two hourly till clinical improvement was achieved, followed by six hourly till complete resolution. The outcome measures were time to clinical improvement, resolution of epithelial defect, stromal infiltrate, hypopyon, extent and density of corneal opacity, neovascularization, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months. Results: Mean age of the patients was 46.6 ± 14.8 years, and trauma with vegetative matter was the most common predisposing factor. Aspergillus flavus (36%) was the most common fungus cultured, followed by Fusarium (23%). Mean time to clinical improvement, time to resolution of epithelial defect, mean time to resolution of infiltrate, and time to resolution of hypopyon were 3.45 ± 1.38, 25.35 ± 8.46, 37.97 ± 9.94, and 13.33 ± 4.90 days, respectively, and they were comparable among the three groups. There was a significant difference between treatment failure and success cases in terms of days of presentation (P < 0.01), size of the epithelial defect (P?value 0.04), and infiltrate size at presentation (P?value 0.04). At 3 months follow?up, no statistically significant difference was noted in BCVA and mean scar size among groups. Conclusion: L?AMB in a gel form is an effective antifungal agent that promotes the healing of fungal ulcers with notably least vascularization and better tolerance.

Adverse Drug Reactions to Antifungals Used in the Management of COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis

Objectives: To determine the incidence and frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to find out factors, if any contributing to the same, while also exploring the use of amphotericin B deoxycholate as a cheaper and safe alternative to liposomal amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study, with a study population of 50 conducted over three months after ethics approval. All adult patients admitted to a tertiary care center, in a metropolitan city of Maharashtra, diagnosed with Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, with a history of previous COVID-19 infection and receiving antifungals for the treatment of the same were included in the study. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) ADR reporting forms were used to collect data. Results: Electrolyte disturbances mainly hypokalemia were the most frequently encountered ADR with both Amphotericin formulations (39/50; 20.31%) followed by pain at the injection site (33/50; 17.19%). Nephrotoxicity occurred slightly more frequently with Amphotericin B Deoxycholate (19/29; 65%), compared to Liposomal Amphotericin B (11/19; 57%), while Posaconazole was mainly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances and hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Amphotericin B Deoxycholate was associated most with ADRs, hypokalemia, and pain at the injection site being the most frequent. However, concerning nephrotoxicity, both Amphotericin formulations showed only a modest difference. Posaconazole was associated with the least number of ADRs and had a favorable safety profile.

Liposomal amphotericin B is more effective in polymorphic lesions of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Background: Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is thought to be the reservoir of infection for visceral leishmaniasis in South Asia. The development of strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of PKDL are important for the implementation of the visceral leishmaniasis elimination program. Aims: Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) has been an overwhelming success in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. However, the empirical three-week regimen of L-AMB proposed for PKDL was shown to be inadequate, especially in the macular variant. This study aimed to delineate response of the different variants of PKDL to L-AMB. Methods: Skin biopsies were collected from PKDL cases at disease presentation and upon completion of treatment with L-AMB. Parasite DNA was detected by Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 PCR (ITS-1 PCR) and quantified by amplification of parasite kDNA. CD68 + macrophages were estimated in tissue sections by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment with L-AMB decreased the parasite load by 97% in polymorphic cases but only by 45% in macular cases. The median parasite load (89965 vs 5445 parasites/μg of genomic DNA) as well as infiltration by CD68+ cells before treatment was much greater in the polymorphic cases. Limitations: Although monitoring of the parasite load for 12 months post-treatment would have been ideal, this was not possible owing to logistical issues as well as the invasive nature of biopsy collection procedure. Conclusion: A dramatic decrease in the parasite burden was noted in patients with polymorphic lesions. Although patients with macular disease also had a decrease in parasite burden, this was not as marked as in the polymorphic cases. There was also a significantly greater infiltration of CD68 + macrophages in polymorphic PKDL before therapy

Liposomal amphotericin B was successfully used to treat a case of kala-azar with prominent renal damage / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the diagnosis and treatment process of a kala-azar case with prominent renal damage treated with liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB), and to provide theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis method was used to analyze the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment process and laboratory test results of a case of kala-azar with prominent renal damage who presented to the Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University on June 30, 2020.Results:A 56-year-old female patient presented with fever (the highest body temperature was 38.2 ℃) and chills. The results of clinical laboratory tests showed that hemoglobin(55 g/L), red blood cell (2.68 × 10 12/L), white blood cell (1.06 × 10 9/L) and platelet count (8.00 × 10 9/L) were decreased, renal function showed abnormal blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, spleen enlargement, etc., and the diagnosis of kala-azar combined with kidney insufficiency was confirmed by blood and bone marrow Leishmania spp. examination. With the assistance of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), after a small dose of L-AmB was initially and slowly increased and maintained at a low dose, the patient's body temperature was normal, the blood routine showed that the three-lineage cells gradually increased, and the renal function showed blood urea nitrogen and creatinine decreased gradually the spleen was retracted; no recurrence was found at follow-up after 6 months, and renal function returned to normal. Conclusions:L-AmB is safe and effective in the treatment of kala-azar with renal damage as the prominent manifestation. The patient is not only cured by etiology, but is also recovered renal function.

Estimating direct costs of the treatment for mucosal leishmaniasis in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to estimate the direct medical costs of the treatment for mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) using three therapeutic approaches in the Brazilian context. METHODS: We performed this economic assessment from the perspective of the Brazilian public healthcare system. The following therapeutic approaches were evaluated: meglumine antimoniate, liposomal amphotericin B, and miltefosine. Direct medical costs were estimated considering four treatment components: a) drug, b) combined medical products, c) procedures, and d) complementary tests. RESULTS: Treatment with meglumine antimoniate had the lowest average cost per patient (US$ 167.66), followed by miltefosine (US$ 259.92) in the outpatient treatment regimen. The average cost of treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was US$ 715.35 both in inpatient regimen. In all estimates, the drugs accounted for more than 60% of the total cost for each treatment approach. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the marked differences in costs between the therapeutic alternatives for ML. In addition to efficacy rates and costs related to adverse events, our data have the potential to support a complete cost-effectiveness study in the future. Complete analyses comparing costs and benefits for interventions will assist health managers in choosing drugs for ML treatment in Brazil as well as in establishing effective public health policies.

Mucormicosis rinocerebral: Una revisión bibliográfica a propósito de un caso clínico / Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: A literature review and report of clinical case

RESUMEN La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica oportunista, poco común causada por hongos del orden de los mucorales. Ocurre a una tasa anual de 1.7 casos por cada millón de personas y presenta una tasa de mortalidad alta que oscila desde el 30 hasta el 90% de acuerdo con el estado sistémico del paciente. Los escenarios más complejos se observan en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, mientras que, en pacientes competentes, la invasión fúngica es bien controlada por el sistema inmune del huésped. La infección comienza luego de la ex-posición, inhalación e invasión de esporas dentro de la cavidad oral y nasal desde donde se puede diseminar a otras partes del cuerpo, permitiendo diferentes presentaciones clínicas en pacientes susceptibles. Actualmente, los registros internacionales de mortalidad de mucormicosis en niños con neoplasias van desde 41.3 a 66.6, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio es presentar un caso raro de mu-cormicosis rinocerebral en un paciente masculino de 4 años quien además presentó como enfermedad base una leucemia linfoblástica aguda B común, tratado con anfotericina B liposomal y debridación quirúrgica de las zonas afectadas. Finalmente, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura disponible con el afán de determinar y describir los signos, síntomas, diagnóstico, tratamiento disponible y pronóstico de esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Mucormycosis is an uncommon opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi of the mucoral order. Occurs at an annual rate of 1.7 cas-es per million people. It has a high mortality rate ranging from 30 to 90% according to the patient's systemic status. The most complex scenarios are observed in immunosuppressed patients, whereas, in competent patients, the fungal invasion is well controlled by the host's immune system. The infection begins after exposure, inhalation and invasion of spores into the oral and nasal cavity from where it can spread to other parts of the body, allowing different clinical presentations in susceptible patients. Currently, international records of mortality of mucormycosis in children with neoplasms range from 41.3 to 66.6. The objective of this study is to present a rare case of rhi-nocerebral mucormycosis in a 4-year-old male patient who also presented as a base disease a leukemia acute B-lymphoblastic disease. Our patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement of affected areas. In addition, a systematic review of the available literature was carried out with the aim of determining and describing the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, available treatment and prognosis of this disease.

Visceral leishmaniasis in pregnant women from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil: A case report and literature review

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in pregnant is considered rare. We present the case of a woman with 24 gestational weeks presenting fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and inversion of albumin/globulin ratio. Anti-rK39 was positive and amastigotes were visualized on myelogram. Treatment with LAmB showed disease improvement. The newborn was born healthy at term, with delivery performed without complications. As VL in pregnancy can progress to death and complications for the mother-fetus binomial, inclusion of VL in the differential diagnosis of patients from endemic areas with compatible clinical picture is mandatory. Treatment with LAmB demonstrates safety and high cure rates in pregnancy.

Antifungal activity of caspofungin in experimental infective endocarditis caused by Candida albicans

BACKGROUND Infective endocarditis is a disease characterised by heart valve lesions, which exhibit extracellular matrix proteins that act as a physical barrier to prevent the passage of antimicrobial agents. The genus Candida has acquired clinical importance given that it is increasingly being isolated from cases of nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the activity of caspofungin compared to that of liposomal amphotericin B against Candida albicans in experimental infective endocarditis. METHODS Wistar rats underwent surgical intervention and infection with strains of C. albicans to develop infective endocarditis. Three groups were formed: the first group was treated with caspofungin, the second with liposomal amphotericin B, and the third received a placebo. In vitro sensitivity was first determined to further evaluate the effect of these treatments on a rat experimental model of endocarditis by semiquantitative culture of fibrinous vegetations and histological analysis. FINDINGS Our semiquantitative culture of growing vegetation showed massive C. albicans colonisation in rats without treatment, whereas rats treated with caspofungin showed significantly reduced colonisation, which was similar to the results obtained with liposomal amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS The antifungal activity of caspofungin is similar to that of liposomal amphotericin B in an experimental model of infective endocarditis caused by C. albicans.

Liposomal amphotericin B successfully in treatment of Kala-Azar with antimonial resistance in a child: a case report and literature review / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the treatment of kala-azar with antimonial resistance in children. Method The clinical data of antimony resistant Kala Azar in a child was analyzed retrospectively, and the related literature were reviewed. Results A 2-year- and 5-month-old boy, suffered from fever, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. He was diagnosed with kala-azar by bone marrow examination, and improved after the treatment of adequate antimonial. Later, he relapsed twice and the treatment of adequate was effective.. This was the third relapse, and was considered as antimonial resistance. Liposomal amphotericin B (1 mg/kg on day 1, 2 mg/kg on day 2, 3mg/kg on day 3~7 and day 10, with accumulated dose of 21 mg/kg) was used and effective. The child improved and no relapse in one-year follow-up. Conclusion Liposomal amphotericin B can be used in the treatment of kala-azar with antimonial resistance in children.

Cutaneous Mucormycosis in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus / 이화의대지

Mucormycosis is a rare disease caused by fungi. Most commonly involved sites of mucormycosis infection are sinuses, lungs, skin and soft tissues. Systemic risk factors for mucormycosis are diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, corticosteroid use, hematological malignancies, organ transplantation, metabolic acidosis, deferoxamine use and advanced age. Local risk factors are history of trauma, burns, surgery and motor vehicle accidents. We present a case of cutaneous mucormycosis in a patient with diabetes mellitus. A 66-year-old female with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, admitted with necrotizing lesion after minor abrasions on leg. We took a culture of the lesion and it is diagnosed with mucormycosis. Disease progressed despite administration of systemic amphotericin B. We performed above-knee amputation and changed antifungal agents into liposomal amphotericin B. A tissue biopsy showed nonseptate, irregularly wide fungal hyphae with frequent right-angle branching. Our case report suggests that patients with risk factors should be observed carefully.

A randomized comparative trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (Fungisome TM ) versus conventional amphotericin B in the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia in India.

Background: In patients with persistent fever and netropenia, amphotericin B is administered empirically for early treatment and prevention of systemic fungal infections. Despite this treatment, there are chances of breakthrough fungal infections and drug is also toxic. Materials and Methods: A multicentric, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare liposomal amphotericin B two doses with conventional amphotericin B as empirical antifungal therapy. Results: The average body weight of patients was 26.4±14.8 (n=22), 32.9±19.4 (n=23) and 37.9±20.0 (n=20) kg in 1 mg, 3 mg Fungisome (liposomal amphotericin B) and 1 mg/kg/day conventional amphotericin B group, respectively. The mean age was 16.2±13.4, 16.0±10.9 and 22.7±16.2 yrs in 1 and 3 mg/kg/day Fungisome and 1 mg/kg/day conventional AMP B group, respectively. The average duration of treatment with 1 mg and 3 mg/kg/day Fungisome and 1 mg/kg/day conventional amphotericin B was 17±9.8, 16.2±8.3, and 14.7±10.7 days, respectively. The time to resolve fever was 13.3±10.2, 10.9±7.1, 10.1±6.7 days, and for absolute neutrophil count (ANC) to be above 500 cells per microliter, it took 13.4±9.6, 10.6±7.6 and 7.3±3.4 days, respectively. Liposomal formulations were well-tolerated compared to conventional amphotericin B. Conclusions: This small randomized study showed that the indigenous liposomal formulation Fungisome TM appears to be equally efficacious and safer than conventional amphotericin B. Also, the lower dose Fungisome (1 mg/kg/day) appears to be equally efficacious and was well-tolerated as compared to higher dose Fungisome (3 mg/kg/day). Treatment cost would be a major factor for limiting use of higher dose of Fungisome.

Tratamiento de coccidioidomicosis meníngea con anfotericina liposomal: presentación de un caso / Treatment of meningeal coccidiomycosis with liposomal amphotericin: case report

Introducción. La coccidioidomicosis fue descrita por primera vez a finales del siglo XVIII por Alejandro Posadas; el primer caso autóctono en Sonora fue reportado por Madrid en 1948. Es causada por un hongo dimórfico del que se reconocen dos especies: una limitada al área de California llamada C. immitis y otra especie no californiana conocida como C. posadasii. Presentación del caso clínico. Se trata de paciente masculino de 6 años de vida, residente de Caborca, Sonora. A los 2 años 6 meses presenta cuadro clínico caracterizado por cefalea y vómito en proyectil, por lo que acude al hospital y se establece el diagnóstico de hidrocefalia de origen no determinado. A los 3 años 6 meses se establece el diagnóstico de coccidioidomicosis meníngea, sin conocer los títulos de anticuerpos séricos en suero y en liquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Recibe tratamiento con fluconazol durante 3 años, asociado a un corto curso de desoxicolato de anfotericina B por un mes. Al ingreso a nuestra institución, se demuestran títulos de anticuerpos elevados en LCR lumbar y en suero, aunque no en LCR ventricular. Conclusiones. Posteriormente a ser tratado con anfotericina liposomal a dosis de 2 mg/kg durante nueve meses (dosis total de 5475 mg), presentó buena evolución clínica asociada a disminución de los títulos de anticuerpos en suero y en LCR. Durante su tratamiento no se presentaron datos clínicos ni de laboratorio sugestivos de toxicidad secundaria a la administración de anfotericina liposomal.

Background: Coccidioidomycosis was first described in the late 18th century by Alejandro Posadas. The first case in Sonora was reported in 1948 by Madrid. Coccidioidomycosis is caused by both species of a dimorphic fungus, one limited to the California area (C.immitis) and the other a non-California strain (C. posadassi). Clinical case: A 6-year-old male patient from Caborca, Sonora presented headache and projectile vomiting. At 2½ years of age he was treated at a hospital with the diagnosis of undetermined hydrocephalus. At 3½ years of age, a diagnosis of coccidioidal meningitis was made without knowing the serum antibody and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) titers. He received treatment with fluconazole for 3 years with 1 month of amphotericin B deoxycholate. Upon admission to our hospital, elevated antibody CSF titers were present. Conclusion: After being treated with liposomal amphotericin (2 mg/kg) for 9 months, he reached a total dose of 5475 mg, presenting good clinical outcome with decreased serum antibodies and CSF titers. During his treatment no clinical or laboratory data suggested toxicity due to liposomal amphotericin administration.

Two cases of visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia resistant to meglumine antimonial treatment / Dois casos de leishmaniose visceral da Colômbia, resistentes ao tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) affects over 500 000 people worldwide each year. The disease occurs in the Mediterranean basin, Central and South America and is caused by Leishmania infantum (syn L. chagasi). VL is an endemic disease in Colombia, particularly along the Caribbean coast and the Magdalena River Valley and 90% of VL cases occur in children under the age of five. The first line of treatment is chemotherapy with pentavalent antimonial compounds, including sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®). These compounds are the ones most used in Colombia, at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Nevertheless resistance of L. infantum to pentavalent antimonials is becoming an important problem. No cases of VL resistant to pentavalent antimonial compounds have previously been reported from Colombia. This report describes the two cases of VL resistance to antimonial compounds in a girl and a boy who did not respond to previous treatment with Pentacarinat® and Glucantime® regimens but were treated successfully with liposomal amphotericin B. Based on our findings, we recommend liposomal amphotericin B as the first line of treatment for VL due to its low toxicity, shorter administration period and the low price obtained by WHO.

A leishmaniose visceral (VL) afeta aproximadamente 500000 pessoas anualmente no mundo. A doença ocorre no mediterrâneo, na América Central e na América do Sul, sendo causada por Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi). Na Colômbia VL é uma doença endêmica, presente no litoral do Caribe e no Vale do rio Magdalena sendo que 90% de casos de VL ocorrem em crianças menores de cinco anos. O principal tratamento é a quimioterapia com compostos de antimoniais pentavalentes, incluindo stibogluconato de sódio (Pentostam®) e antimoniato de meglumina (Glucantime®). Estes compostos são os mais usados na Colômbia em dosagem de 20 mg/kg/dia durante 28 dias. Entretanto, a resistência de L. infantum aos antimoniais pentavalentes está se tornando problema importante. Na Colômbia não existiam relatos de casos de VL resistentes aos antimoniais pentavalentes. Este trabalho descreve os dois primeiros casos colombianos de VL resistentes aos compostos antimoniais em uma menina e um menino, que foram tratados com regime de Pentamidina e Glucantime®, e demonstra o sucesso obtido no tratamento com anfotericina B liposomal. Em conclusão, sugerimos como primeira opção de tratamento a anfotericina B liposomal porque é altamente efetiva no tratamento da VL, dada sua baixa toxicidade, curtos períodos de administração e o baixo preço obtido pela organização Médicos Sem Fronteiras.

Zigomicosis cutanea en un paciente de 10 años: primer caso pediátrico en Venezuela: revisión de la literatura / Cutaneous zigomycosis in a 10 year-old patient: first pediatric case in Venezuela: revision of the literature

La zinomicosis es una infección aguda causada por los hongos de la clase Zigomicetos, de la cual no existen casos publicados anteriormente en el área pediátrica en nuestro país. Estos hongos producen una angioinvasión que puede manifestarse de varias formas, siendo la forma mas frecuente la rino-órbito- cerebral. Se describe el caso de un escolar masculino de 10 años que representa politraumatismo con herida muy contaminada en muslo izquierdo. Recibe antibióticos, curas quirúrgicas y dexametasona. En el curso de 13 días presentó una fascitis necrotizante con una zona aterciopelada blanca de la cual se toma muestra, diagnosticándose hongos del tipo Zigomicetos, especie Saksenaea vasiformis. Se desatircula el miembro inferior izquierdo, se le coloca Anfotericina B liposomal y Caspofungina. El paciente falleció luego de 13 días a pesar del tratamiento. La Zigomicosis cutánea severa es una patología de alta mortalidad cuyo pronóstico dependerá de un diagnóstico precoz y un manejo médico y quirúrgico agresivo. El Posaconazol ofrece nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Zygomycosis is an acute micotic infection caused by the Zygomycetes class that has not been previously described in the pediatric area in our country. These fungi produce an angioinvasion with several clinical manifestations, of which the most frequent isthe rhino-orbito-cerebral form. This is a 10 year-old male who presents with multiple injuries and a very contaminated wound in the left thigh. The child receives antibiotics, surgical cleaning, dexametaxone and presents, during the course of 13 days, a necrotizing fasciitis with a velvety white zone from where Zygomycete, specie Saksenaea vasiformis was isolated. The left thigh and leg had to bedis articulated and liposomal Amphotericin B plus Caspofungin was prescribed. In spite of the treatment the patient died 13 days later. Cutaneous Zygomycosis is a severe pathology of high mortality which prognosis will depend on an early diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical treatment. Posaconazole offers a new perspective in the treatment of this disease.

A Comparison of AmBisome(R) to Amphotericin B for Treatment of Systemic Candidiasis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: Amphotericin B is considered the treatment of choice for systemic candidiasis, but adverse effects may limit its use. An alternative option for the treatment of candidiasis includes lipid preparations of amphotericin B. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of AmBisome(R), a lipid formulation of amphotericin B containing liposomal structures, for the treatment of systemic candidiasis in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). MATERIALS AMD METHODS: Data from 26 VLBWI treated with AmBisome(R) in the study group (AmBisome group) from October 2003 to July 2006 were compared with data from 20 VLBWI treated with amphotericin B as a historical control (Amphotericin group). This study was a prospective, historical control, multi-center trial. RESULTS: Candida spp. was isolated in 73% (19/26) of the cases for the AmBisome group and 90% (18/20) of the cases for the Amphotericin group. The fungal eradication rate and the time to eradication was 84% (16/19) and 9+/-8 days in the AmBisome group, and 89% (16/18) and 10+/-9 days in the Amphotericin group, respectively (p=0.680 vs p=0.712). The major adverse effects were lower in the AmBisome group (renal toxicity, 21% vs 55%, p=0.029; hepatotoxity, 25% vs 65%, p=0.014, AmBisome group vs Amphotericin group, respectively). There was no significant difference in mortality attributed to systemic candidiasis (12% in the AmBisome group, 10% in the Amphotericin group, p=0.868). CONCLUSION: AmBisome(R) is effective and safe for treating systemic fungal infections in VLBWI.

Successful Treatment of Candida albicans Endocarditis with Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome(R)) in a Very Low Birth Weight Infant

Candida albicans endocarditis is an uncommon manifestation of systemic candidiasis in newborn infants who require intensive care and develops mostly in patients with congenital heart disease; open heart surgery is the majority of predisposing factor. Improvement of techniques managing premature infants leads to increased survival rates, which give much more chances to develop fungal infections and its complications. We report a case of very low birth weight infant who had candidemia and Candida endocarditis, who was successfully treated with AmBisome(R) because of no response to conventional amphotericin B therapy.

Successful Treatment of Disseminated Fusariosis with Liposomal Amphotericin B and Voriconazole in a Child Undergoing Chemotherapy / 대한소아혈액종양학회지

Fusarium species are common soil saprophytes and plant pathogens. In humans, several species have been recognized as agents of superficial infections. Disseminated Fusariosis have been increasingly described in immunocompromised patients, especially in neutropenic patients. The prognosis is very poor despites antifungal therapy. This is the report of Fusarium oxysporum infection in a 6-year-old patient with relapsed acute leukemia and prolonged neutropenia. The patient presented with persistent fever and multiple erythematous papules with central necrosis or vesicle. Fuasrium oxysporum was isolated and cultured from a skin biopsy specimen. Initially, the patient failed to respond to conventional amphotericin B but recovered after treatment was switched to liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole.