Scedosporium and Lomentospora Infections Are Infrequent, Difficult to Diagnose by Histology, and Highly Virulent

• Published in: American journal of clinical pathology 2021-12, Vol.156 (6), p.1044-1057
• Main Authors: DeSimone, Mia S, Crothers, Jessica W, Solomon, Isaac H, Laga, Alvaro C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use; Caspofungin; Cell culture; Colonization; Conidia; Diagnosis; Health aspects; Histopathology; Humans; Hyphae; Immunocompromised Host; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Methenamine; Mycoses; Opportunist infection; Patients; Posaconazole; Retrospective Studies; Scedosporium; Skin; Skin diseases; Virulence; Virulence (Microbiology)
• ISSN: 0002-9173; 1943-7722
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab070

Abstract Objective To further characterize the histomorphology and clinicopathologic features of colonization and invasive disease by Scedosporium and Lomentospora. Methods We conducted a 20-year retrospective study. Patients with at least 1 histopathology specimen and concurrent culture were included. Clinical features, histopathology, microbiology, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Eighteen patients were identified, and all were immunocompromised. Eight patients had colonization, while 10 had invasive disease (pneumonia [n = 3], skin and soft-tissue infections [n = 3], disseminated disease [n = 4]). Scedosporium apiospermum was identified in 15 patients, Lomentospora prolificans in 2 patients, and Scedosporium ellipsoideum in 1 patient. Fungal elements were identified histologically in 11 patients. Granulomatous, suppurative, and necrotizing inflammation with irregular branching hyphae and characteristic microconidia were observed in 9 cases; conidiogenous cells were identified in 4 cases. Seven patients died of invasive disease despite therapy, and 3 recovered after treatment. No deaths were observed in patients with colonization. Conclusions Scedosporium and Lomentospora are rare, virulent opportunistic fungal pathogens. Fungal morphology may overlap with other hyaline molds, but identification of obovoid conidia should allow a diagnosis of non-Aspergillus hyalohyphomycosis and consideration of Scedosporium and Lomentospora. Histopathologic correlation with culture and polymerase chain reaction is critical for diagnosis and treatment.