Necrotizing pneumonia due to Saprochaete capitata in a patient with diabetes mellitus. Case report

Abstract

Saprochaete capitata is a yeast-like fungus of the Dipodascaceae family, capable of colonizing the skin and the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. We present a 56-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who was admitted to the hospital presenting with fever, cough and hemoptysis. The diagnosis of necrotizing pneumonia was made by direct microscopy of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed and Saprochaete capitata was identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight (MALDI-TOF MS®). Treatment consisted of itraconazole 200 mg every 12 hours orally for 30 days, leading to clinical and radiological improvement. Saprochaete capitata infection is a rare cause of pulmonary mycoses.