An Indian mycologist developed an abscess in his neck due to a fungus, Chondrostereum purpureum. This is the first time it has been spotted in humans.
- An Indian mycologist was infected with a fungus called Chondrostereum purpureum.
- This is the first time it has developed in humans.
- Fungi are one of the threats to global health according to the WHO.
For the first time in the world, a man developed silver leaf disease. Caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum, it usually affects green plants. Last June, Indian researchers explained that they had identified a first human case. It was a 61-year-old man who had been suffering from various symptoms for three months. In Medical Mycology Case Reportsthey explain how they managed to identify the disease and treat it.
Fungus: what are the symptoms of contamination?
As a preamble to their study, the authors say more about the patient, a 61-year-old man from eastern India. He went to the hospital for the following symptoms: hoarseness of voice, cough, recurrent pharyngitis, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and anorexia for 3 months. “He had no history of diabetes, HIV infection, kidney or chronic disease, use of immunosuppressive medications, or trauma.”specify the authors. The man was a mycologist and “had been working with decaying materials, mushrooms and various plant fungi for a long time as part of his research activities”. Faced with these symptoms, doctors performed a cervical scan which identified an abscess next to his trachea. “CT-guided aspiration of the abscess was performed“, indicate the researchers. Thanks to this medical procedure, they were able to remove the abscess and analyze it.
A first human infection by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum
The first tests carried out gave nothing. A staining test made it possible to identify hyphae, fungus cells. “The fungus could not be identified phenotypically, so it was sent to the WHO Collaborating Center for Referencing and Research on Mushrooms of Medical Importance in Indiaexplain the authors. It was identified as Chondrostereum purpureum by DNA sequencing.” After identifying the fungus, scientists administered appropriate treatment. The patient has been cured for two years now and has not presented any new symptoms.
Fungi: one of the threats to global health according to the WHO
Fungi are one of the threats to human health and Chondrostereum purpureum is now added to the list. In October 2022, the World Health Organization identified the 19 most dangerous mushrooms. “Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to public health as they become increasingly common and resistant to treatment, with only four classes of antifungal drugs currently available and few candidates in clinical development. specifies the organization. For most fungal pathogens, rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools are not available, and those that do exist are not readily available or affordable globally.” To better understand their importance and better fight infections, the organization is calling for more research into these fungi.
