Disseminated Fusarium infection in a multiple trauma patient.

The hyalohyphomycetes (especially Fusarium sp.) have emerged as significant pathogens in severely immunocompromised patients. Human infections by Fusarium sp. can be superficial or limited to single organs in otherwise healthy patients. Such infections are rare and tend to respond well to therapy. By contrast, disseminated fusarial hylohyphomycosis affects the immunocompromised host and frequently is fatal. Successful outcome is determined by the degree of immunosuppression and the extent of the infection. These infections may be suspected clinically on the basis of a constellation of clinical and laboratory findings, which should lead to prompt therapy.