Blastoschizomyces capitatus pneumonia in a patient with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Several cases have been reported of B. capitatus infections in immunocompromised patients. Acute leukemia is the main predisposing factor. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not usually associated with opportunistic infections. We report a case of pulmonary infection by B. capitatus in a patient with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although the patient had a complete recovery, we believe that this report will alert clinicians to consider B. capitatus as possible cause of severe pneumonia in untreated CLL. Keywords: Pneumonia, Blastoschizomyces, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Diagnosis, Therapy