[Fungal sinus infection by Schizophyllum commune: Report of two clinical cases]

Abstract

Background: Schizophyllum commune is a basidiomycete fungus which is widely distributed in nature. Its role as responsible for disease in humans is not well known, partly due to its difficult identification. The incorporation of mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI-TOF) and molecular biology to the laboratories has allowed the description of a greater number of cases.

Case report: In this paper, we present two cases in which S. commune was identified as the causative agent of disease: in the first case an immunocompetent patient suffered from chronic rhinosinusitis, and in the second one a sphenoid sinus infection was diagnosed in an immunocompromised patient. In both cases, S. commune was isolated. Its identification was possible by means of MALDI-TOF and this was confirmed in both patients by amplification and sequencing of the ITS region.

Conclusions: In conclusion, S. commune should be considered a potential causative agent of fungal disease. Currently, MALDI-TOF and sequencing techniques are necessary for its identification.

Keywords: Biología molecular; MALDI-TOF; Molecular biology; Schizophyllum commune; Sinusitis.