Disseminated Bisifusarium infection following toxic epidermal necrolysis in a child with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatr Dermatol. 2023 May-Jun;40(3):503-506. doi: 10.1111/pde.15179. Epub 2022 Nov 5.

Abstract

Fusarium is a polyphyletic genus of plant pathogens, members of which can cause opportunistic human infections with varying superficial and systemic presentations, including disseminated infections which typically occur in immunocompromised patients and have a poor prognosis. Treatment is challenging due to intrinsic resistance to many antifungal agents, and antifungal susceptibility testing is therefore essential. Early suspicion, isolation of the organism, and prompt initiation of management are crucial to improving survival. We present a case of disseminated Bisifusarium infection following toxic epidermal necrolysis in a child with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, flucytosine, and terbinafine.

Keywords: drug eruptions; fusariosis; invasive fungal infections; leukemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Fusariosis* / diagnosis
  • Fusariosis* / drug therapy
  • Fusariosis* / etiology
  • Fusarium*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / diagnosis
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome* / etiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents