A case report of bloodstream infection by Prototheca zopfii: An emerging opportunistic pathogen


Article PDF :

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Article type :

Case Report

Author :

Heena Tak*, Bhumika Chandra Lali, Tabassum Amber

Volume :

10

Issue :

1

Abstract :

This case report describes the presentation, investigation, and diagnosis of algaemia (Prototheca algaemia) in an immunocompromised patient with hematological malignancy. A patient of acute lymphoblastic  leukemia was admitted with febrile neutropenia after a few weeks of induction chemotherapy. During hospital stay, the patient developed severe body pain, loss of appetite and persistent fever after a  week of recovery. Upon thorough investigation, the patient was found to have central line related bloodstream infection with an emerging opportunistic environmental pathogen of genus Prototheca species zopfii, sensitive to Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, Voriconazole, Micafungin and Caspofungin. Liposomal Amphotericin B, an antifungal treatment was prescribed, post-treatment blood cultures were negative.

Keyword :

Algaemia, Prototheca zopfii, Bloodstream infection, Hematological malignancy, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia