Invasive Scedosporium and Lomentospora prolificans Infections in Australia: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Management of Scedosporium/Lomentospora prolificans infections remains challenging. We described predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of these rare mold infections, including predictors of early (1-month) and late (18-month) all-cause mortality and treatment failure. Methods: We conducted a retrospective Australian-based observational study of proven/probable Scedosporium/L prolificans infections from 2005 to 2021. Data on patient comorbidities, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes up to 18 months were collected. Treatment responses and death causality were adjudicated. Subgroup analyses, multivariable Cox regression, and logistic regression were performed. Results: Of 61 infection episodes, 37 (60.7%) were attributable to L prolificans. Forty-five of 61 (73.8%) were proven invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), and 29 of 61 (47.5%) were disseminated. Prolonged neutropenia and receipt of immunosuppressant agents were documented in 27 of 61 (44.3%) and 49 of 61 (80.3%) episodes, respectively. Voriconazole/terbinafine was administered in 30 of 31 (96.8%) L prolificans infections, and voriconazole alone was prescribed for 15 of 24 (62.5%) Scedosporium spp infections. Adjunctive surgery was performed in 27 of 61 (44.3%) episodes. Median time to death post-IFD diagnosis was 9.0 days, and only 22 of 61 (36.1%) attained treatment success at 18 months. Those who survived beyond 28 days of antifungal therapy were less immunosuppressed with fewer disseminated infections (both P