What is Scedosporiosis?
Scedosporiosis is caused by Scedosporium spp., which are ubiquitous saprophytic moulds commonly found in soil, polluted water and compost.1–3 Scedosporium spp. cause life-threatening infections (invasive scedosporiosis) in immunocompromised patients, but they can also cause a wide range of infections in immunocompetent patients.1–3 Disseminated infections in immunocompetent individuals can occur following near-drowning accidents in polluted water.3
Pathogenesis
Clinical manifestations can vary; however, invasive scedosporiosis mainly affects the respiratory system, as well as the blood, central nervous system and other organs.1 Systemic infections, which have a poor prognosis, can also occur.1
Epidemiology
Scedosporium spp. are found globally, although mostly found in temperate areas, with regional differences in species distribution.1,2
Mortality rates for scedosporiosis are high, estimated at 42–46% in both adults and children.1
Risk factors
Risk factors for scedosporiosis include:1–4
- Cancer
- Haematological malignancies
- Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)
- Immune deficiency
- Severe infection
- Chronic pulmonary conditions such as cystic fibrosis
- Near-drowning, tsunami and earthquakes
Pathogenic species
The most common clinically relevant species are S. boydii, S. apiospermum and S. aurantiacum.3
References
- WHO fungal priority pathogens list to guide research, development and public health action. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060241. Accessed July 2023.
- Hoenigl M et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21:e246–e257.
- Skiada A et al. F100Res. 2017;6:1917.
- McCarthy MW et al. J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4:73.