Human infections due to Schizophyllum commune: case report and review of the literature

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2019Source: Journal de Mycologie MédicaleAuthor(s): Caterina Cavanna, Fabio Pagella, Maria Carmela Esposto, Francesca Tamarozzi, Libera Clemente, Piero Marone, Elina Matti, Fabiola LallittoAbstractSchizophyllum commune is an environmental basidiomycetous fungus, causing occasional, predominantly respiratory, infections in humans. Although S. commune is considered an emerging pathogen, some authors pointed out the possibility that recent advances in diagnostic technologies now allow a more prompt and precise identification at the species level. Here we describe the first Italian case of chronic non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis due to S. commune in an immunocompetent subject and update the literature review on S. commune sinusitis published between 2012-2018. In our case, prompt identification at species level was only possible with the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and confirmed by sequence analysis of ribosomal DNA ITS regions.As a timely diagnosis is important to avoid local and possibly systemic complications due to infection with this fungus, the prompt application of molecular techniques should be considered the gold standard for the identification of S. commune in case of clinical suspicion.
Source: Journal of Medical Mycology - Category: Biology Source Type: research