Invasive fungal infection caused by Geotrichum clavatum in an acute leukemia child: first documented case from mainland China

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the vital complications for acute leukemia patients undergoing induction chemotherapy. Among them, Geotrichum clavatum fungal infections present extremely rare with atypical clinical symptoms which make it difficult to diagnosis. In this paper, we report a case of infection caused by Geotrichum clavatum in a 10-year old acute leukemia child, which is the first documented case from mainland China. With childhood leukemia as the basic disease, the child suffered from repeated bacterial and fungal infection, and even underwent abdominal surgery during the treatment. Fortunately, the therapeutic effect was finally achieved by adjusting treatment program to dual anti-fungal infection with micafungin and amphotericin B. The information of the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic features in this case shows significant perspectives for anti-fungal treatment for immunocompromised individuals, wherefore the rate of recovery and survival can be provided.