Isavuconazole Treatment of Spinal Cord Invasive Aspergillosis Guided by Cerebrospinal Fluid (1,3)-β-d-Glucan Levels in a Patient with Low Interferon-Gamma and Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

This case highlights the use of (1,3)-beta-d glucan to direct treatment of a cervical spinal cord Aspergillus fumigatus infection in a 22-year-old woman immunocompromised due to steroid and anti-TNF therapy in the context of ulcerative colitis and interferon gamma deficiency. A 4-year treatment course requiring neurosurgical intervention on four occasions and prolonged antifungal therapy, including isavuconazole, resulted in clinical cure with a corresponding decrease in CSF beta-d-glucan to <30 pg/mL. Serum and CSF galactomannan levels were not elevated at any point during the clinical course.