Uncommon pathogens in an immunocompetent host: respiratory isolation of Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and adenovirus in a patient with necrotising pneumonia

We present the unusual case of a 60-year-old immunocompetent woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed a necrotising pneumonia with isolation of Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and adenovirus. The patient recovered with antimicrobial therapy and supportive care in the intensive care unit. The current literature on diagnosis and treatment of these pathogens is reviewed.

Candida Tropicalis Spondylodiscits in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background Fungal spondylodiscitis is not common but should be suspected in some cases. Candida tropicalis infections are being more frequently diagnosed due to some factors related to the microorganism. Case Description A C. tropicalis spondylodiscitis is described in a 72-year-old man who was treated with a combination of echinocandin (micafungin) and surgery. Conclusion The presence of some risk factors should promptly raise the suspicion of fungal spondylodiscitis. Treatment should be instituted as early as possible for the best outcome for the patient.

Pleural Effusion Caused by Mycolicibacterium mageritense in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report

Mycolicibacterium mageritense (M. mageritense) is a rare species among rapidly growing mycobacteria, and M. mageritense pleurisy is very rare. Here, we report for the first time, an immunocompetent patient with pleurisy caused by M. mageritense. The patient had no history of immunodeficiency and no recurrence of lung cancer after surgery. However, 8 months after surgery, he developed a new lung shadow and pleurisy. Although whole-genome analysis of the colony cultured from the patient's pleural fluid revealed M. mageritense, we could not identify it in time, resulting in a poor outcome. M. mageritense pleurisy in this case might have occurred via a bulla rupture of the lung lesion because computed tomography of the patient's chest showed pneumothorax and a lung lesion in contact with thoracic cavity. This case emphasized that nontuberculous mycobacterial pleurisy should be considered in the differential diagnoses of pleural effusion even in immunocompetent patients. Advancement of comprehensive and rapid analyses of genomic data from clinical specimens will lead to better treatment strategies.

Recurrent Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Male: A Case Report

Herpes zoster is an infection caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus presenting as multiple grouped vesicular eruptions in a dermatomal pattern with associated pain. Recurrent herpes zoster is an uncommon event in an immunocompetent host. Here, we report a case of a young male presenting with herpes zoster over the T9 and T10 dermatome with the previous scarring of herpes zoster over the T6 dermatome over the right upper trunk. The patient improved on treatment with oral acyclovir and analgesics. In any patient with recurrenrt hepes zoster, work-up should be done to rule out immunosuppresion.

Curvularia alcornii aortic pseudoaneurysm following aortic valve replacement: case report and review of the literature

We report the first case of Curvularia alcornii aortic pseudoaneurysm following bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement in an immunocompetent host. Infection was complicated by septic emboli to multiple organs. Despite aggressive surgical intervention and antifungal therapy, infection progressed. We review the literature on invasive Curvularia infection to inform diagnosis and management.