Fusariasis is an infectious disease caused by an opportunistic fungus, Fusarium spp., found in the environment, mainly in plantations.Fusarium spp.il is more common in people with weakened immune systems, either from haematological diseases or bone marrow transplantation, for example., because disseminated fusariasis is more common in these cases, where the fungus can reach two or more organs, aggravating the clinical situation of the person.
The main Fusarium species that can cause disease in humans are Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium verticillioides, and Fusarium proliferatum, which can be identified by laboratory tests.
- Symptoms of Fusarium spp.
- They are not very specific because they are similar to the symptoms of other fungal diseases.
- It depends on the immune system of the person.
- Since it is an opportunistic fungus.
- And can vary depending on the location of the fungus in the body The main signs and symptoms of fusariasis are:.
Fusarium spp.il is more common in people with haematological diseases, neutropenia, bone marrow transplants or chemotherapy, who have used prophylactic antifungals to prevent Candida sp. infection, for example, and who have a disease that compromises the immune system.
Fusarium spp., This occurs mainly by inhaling spores present in the environment, since this fungus is mainly found in plants and soil; However, infection can also occur from direct inoculation of the fungus, most often as a result of a cut caused by a branch., for example, resulting in fungal keratitis.
Fungal keratitis is one of the clinical manifestations of Fusarium spp infection.And it’s an inflammation of the cornea that can lead to blindness, and it’s important to identify and treat with corneal transplantation as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus.In addition, fusarium keratitis can occur from the use of contact lenses contaminated with this fungus.Learn more about keratitis.
The diagnosis of fusariasis is made by an infectious disease specialist or a gpation through the assessment of the signs and symptoms presented, in addition to the results of laboratory tests. The test confirming Fusarium spp infection is the isolation of the fungus in infected areas, which may be skin, lungs or blood depending on the patient.
After isolation and culture, a microscopic observation is made to check the fungus responsible for infection, although this is the diagnostic method that confirms fusariasis, these techniques take time, since the fungus takes time to grow enough to be observed under a microscope In addition, isolation and observation do not allow the identification of the species responsible for infection , requiring the use of molecular techniques to perform identification, which also takes time.
Immune techniques can also be used to identify Fusarium spp., and aim to identify the components of the cell wall of the fungus, however, these techniques are not very specific to identify Fusarium spp, since the desired component is also part of other fungi, such as Aspergillus.sp., for example, that can confuse the diagnosis.
While isolation and identification of the fungus requires more time, tests to confirm the infection are still indicated, a histological examination can also be performed in which a tissue biopsy is performed and, if the presence of fungus is identified, prophylactic treatment can be initiated pending the result of the culture.
Fusariasis is treated with antifungals that should be used according to the doctor’s recommendations, with amphoterin B and voriconazole being the most suitable.Anfoterin B is the main antifungal indicated in disseminated fusariasis, but this medicine is associated with high levels of toxicity and some patients have it.they do not respond to treatment and the use of voriconazole is recommended.
Fusarium spp.il has intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and antifungals belonging to the echinocandine class, such as micafungin and caspofungin, making treatment difficult and may be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.