Talaromyces marneffei infection relapse presenting as osteolytic destruction followed by suspected nontuberculous mycobacterium infection during 6 years of follow-up: A case update

Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Apr:93:208-210. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.037. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Abstract

Talaromyces (formerly Penicillium) marneffei, a dimorphic fungus, is the most common opportunistic pathogen in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)-positive patients, but it rarely appears in HIV-negative individuals. Previously, in 2014, we reported the case of an HIV-negative Chinese woman with disseminated T. marneffei infection within an osteolytic lesion. Subsequently, she was followed up for 6 years, and we present an updated report of her clinical condition during the follow-up period. She presented with T. marneffei infection relapse and nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection. Laboratory tests showed anti-interferon-gamma (anti-IFN-γ) autoantibody-positive. Antifungals and anti-NTM treatment successfully improved her symptoms and laboratory results. This case highlights the type of infectious diseases that occurs as a result of immunodeficiency syndrome associated with anti-IFN-γ autoantibody.

Keywords: Anti-interferon-gamma autoantibody; Nontuberculous mycobacterium; Osteolytic lesion; Talaromyces marneffei.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Autoantibodies
  • Coinfection / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / complications
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / immunology
  • Mycoses / complications
  • Mycoses / diagnosis*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Mycoses / immunology
  • Osteolysis
  • Recurrence
  • Talaromyces*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Autoantibodies
  • Interferon-gamma