Management of an outbreak of Exophiala dermatitidis bloodstream infections at an outpatient oncology clinic

Abstract

Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis is a dematiaceous fungus that can grow in yeast or mold forms and is typically found in decaying organic matter. It can cause central nervous system disease, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and has been implicated as a respiratory pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients [1,2]. It has also been identified as a colonizer in the gastrointestinal tract [3]. However, bloodstream infections with this organism are exceedingly rare.