José J. Flores-Patiño , Mikel J. Durán-Pacheco , Alondra M. Cázares-Marroquín , José M. Gastélum-Cano , María A. Islas-Osuna , José A. Arízaga-Berber
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Fungal endocarditis is a low-frequency disease with a challenging diagnosis, as it can be mistaken with bacterial endocarditis. Fungal endocarditis causes higher mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. In the clinical practice, the endocarditis caused by fungi represents up to 10% of all infectious endocarditis cases and has a mortality rate of nearly 50%.
Case report
Here we present the case of a 53-year-old woman under corticosteroid therapy with a history of rheumatic heart disease, aortic valve replacement, and rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with fungal endocarditis caused by Candida albicans. Even though the patient received 3 years of antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole, had valve replacement surgery, and received intensive care, the patient finally worsened and died.
Conclusions
Comorbidities and corticosteroid therapy predisposed the patient to acquire fungal endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of implementing procedures for the isolation and identification of fungi, and for carrying out antifungal-susceptibility testing, as well as establishing surveillance programs to identify infection-causing species and drug resistance patterns in hospitals. Moreover, designing and upgrading the algorithm for infectious endocarditis is the key to future improvements in diagnosis.
期刊介绍:
Revista Iberoamericana de Micología (Ibero-American Journal of Mycology) is the official journal of the Asociación Española de Micología, Asociación Venezolana de Micología and Asociación Argentina de Micología (The Spanish, Venezuelan, and Argentinian Mycology Associations). The Journal gives priority to publishing articles on studies associated with fungi and their pathogenic action on humans and animals, as well as any scientific studies on any aspect of mycology. The Journal also publishes, in Spanish and in English, original articles, reviews, mycology forums, editorials, special articles, notes, and letters to the editor, that have previously gone through a scientific peer review process.