ABSTRACT
Protothecosis is a rare algal infection, affecting primarily immunocompromised hosts. Optimal management is unclear: in-vitro antimicrobial breakpoints are not established and therapeutic decisions are primarily based on case reports. We present a case of cutaneous Prototheca wickerhamii infection in an immunosuppressed 63 year old male, successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin and prolonged itraconazole. Inoculation may have been through frequent hot-tub use, highlighting hot-tub exposure as an infection risk for the immunocompromised host.
ABSTRACT
We describe a case of Thermomyces lanuginosus endocarditis, the first reported in a living patient, and review the literature to delineate the clinical characteristics, investigations and management of endocarditis due to such rare but emerging mould pathogens.
