Successful treatment of azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis in a bottlenose dolphin with high-dose posaconazole

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis due to azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is difficult to manage. We describe a case of azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis in a female bottlenose dolphin, who failed to respond to voriconazole and posaconazole therapy. As intravenous therapy was precluded, high dose posaconazole was initiated aimed at achieving trough levels exceeding 3 mg/l. Posaconazole serum levels of 3–9.5 mg/l were achieved without significant side-effects. Follow-up bronchoscopy and computed tomography showed complete resolution of the lesions.

Keywords

• Aspergillus fumigatus
• Azole resistance
• Posaconazole
• Bottlenose dolphin
• Antifungal therapy