Breaking the mold: a case of invasive Medicopsis romeroi pulmonary infection with innovative granulocyte treatment strategy

August 5, 2025
Case Report
Caitlin Raymond, Amir Seyedmousavi, Adrian M Zelazny, Jennifer D Treat, Chioma Aneke, Roya Zarpak, Kamille West-Mitchell, Steven M Holland, Christa S Zerbe
Pathogen:Medicopsis romeroi
Infection Type:Pulmonary infection
Pathogen Type:Fungus

Summary

A 16-year-old male with chronic granulomatous disease presented with a rare invasive pulmonary infection caused by Medicopsis romeroi, a dematiaceous fungus. Despite initial antifungal therapy, his condition worsened, necessitating an innovative treatment strategy. Diagnosis was confirmed through culture and molecular methods. The patient received granulocyte transfusions, which significantly improved his clinical outcome, highlighting a crucial therapeutic approach for severe fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in patients with primary immunodeficiencies and demonstrates the potential benefit of adjunctive granulocyte therapy for refractory cases.

Key note: Granulocyte transfusions can be a life-saving adjunctive therapy for severe, refractory invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, especially those with neutrophil dysfunction.

DOI: 10.1128/asmcr.00060-25