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Isolation of Exophiala dermatitidis from pigmented sputum in a cystic fibrosis patient
Author(s) -
Griffard Emily A.,
Guajardo Jesus R.,
Cooperstock Michael S.,
Scoville Caryn L.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.21187
Subject(s) - sputum , cystic fibrosis , voriconazole , medicine , phaeohyphomycosis , microbiology and biotechnology , exacerbation , antibiotics , sputum culture , pathology , dermatology , antifungal , biology , tuberculosis
A 16‐year‐old female with cystic fibrosis (CF) presented with an acute respiratory exacerbation during which black flecks were observed in the spontaneously expectorated sputum. The production of this pigmented sputum was subsequently attributed to Exophiala dermatitidis hyphae. Treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antifungal medications led to an initial resolution of symptoms and clearance of the black pigment from her sputum. However, the patient again presented nine months later with reappearance of the pigmented flecks and concomitant clinical deterioration and was subsequently treated with an extended course of voriconazole. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of fungal colonization by E. dermatitidis presenting as black flecks spontaneously expectorated in CF sputum. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:508–510. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.