Invasive Fusariosis: Unusual Cases over 10 Years in a Tertiary Care Hospital and a Review of the Literature from Saudi Arabia

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Authors: Hassan Almarhabi, A. R. T. Sarhan, Murad Essatari, Hassan Huwait
Cited by: 2
References: 22

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Fusarium species are recognized as difficult-to-treat opportunistic pathogens due to extensive antifungal resistance and high mortality rates. Variability in its incidence and outcomes exists across different countries and centers. Large studies on Fusarium species are lacking in Saudi Arabia, with most previous publications being case reports. We describe all cases of invasive fusariosis identified at a tertiary center during a 10-year period and review previous reports in the country. Methods: A retrospective search of hospital records and the microbiology database was conducted to identify cases of invasive fusariosis among patients admitted during 2016–2025 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: Three cases of invasive fusariosis occurring over a 10-year period were identified. All cases occurred in the last three years of the study period. The incidence during those three years was 0.4 cases per 10,000 admissions per year. Clinical manifestations were fungemia in two immunocompetent patients and ulcers progressing to osteomyelitis in an immunocompromised patient. None of the patients progressed to death within 30 days of diagnosis. Conclusions: Data on Fusarium species are scarce in Saudi Arabia. Additional studies are required to better understand differences in invasive fusariosis between countries.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Antifungal resistance and susceptibility Ocular Infections and Treatments Nail Diseases and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Infectious Disease Reports
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
14–14
Publication date
26 January 2026
Language
EN