Fusarium solani Species Complex as an Opportunistic Pathogen: A Case Series among Individuals with Underlying Conditions in a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Fungal infections are an emerging threat in immunocompromised individuals. Among the causative agents, members of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) are notable opportunistic pathogens. FSSC infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, largely because of the organism's aggressive nature and broad intrinsic resistance to several antifungal agents, particularly fluconazole, itraconazole, and echinocandins. Case presentations: This report describes three distinct cases of FSSC infection or isolation with varied clinical manifestations. The first case involved a ۶۷-year-old male farmer who developed fungal keratitis following ocular trauma; corneal scraping cultures yielded an FSSC isolate. The second case involved a ۵۵-year-old patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who presented with an acute exacerbation. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed a small area of consolidation, and sputum culture yielded an FSSC isolate, although airway colonization could not be excluded. The third case involved a ۵۷-year-old patient with a history of alcoholic liver disease who developed progressive respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. There was no clinical response to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Subsequent blood cultures yielded an FSSC isolate, establishing fungemia. Conclusion: These cases underscore the diverse clinical presentations of FSSC-associated disease, particularly in patients with varying degrees of immune impairment, and demonstrate that favorable outcomes may be achievable with timely recognition and appropriate antifungal therapy. Early clinical suspicion and prompt mycological confirmation are essential, especially when patients fail to respond to empirical antibacterial treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fungal keratitis ، Fungemia ، Fusariosis ، Fusarium solani ، Immunocompromised host ، Pulmonary fusariosis