Letter to the Editor

Fatal Trichosporon asahii Septicemia in a Guatemalan Farmer with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Authors: Kirk M. Chan-Tack, MD

Abstract

Trichosporon species are found in nature; predominantly in soil, water, and on plants. They have been cultured from many animal droppings, including cattle, sheep, and goat.1 The six Trichosporon species associated with human infection are Trichosporon asahii, Trichosporon mucoides, Trichosporon asteroides, Trichosporon cutaneum,Trichosporon inkin, and Trichosporon ovoides. Of these, Trichosporon asahii is the predominant cause of systemic, invasive human infection.1 Invasive trichosporonosis occurs mainly in immunocompromised persons. Limited antifungal options exist and mortality rates remain high.

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