Characteristics of fungaemia caused by Trichosporon species in South-Eastern Europe

Varlamis, Sotirios and Pessach, Ilias and Kyriazidi, Maria-Anna and Gavriilaki, Eleni and Mavridou, Maria and Mitka, Stella and Chatzidimitriou, Maria and Vyzantiadis, Timoleon-Achilleas (2026) Characteristics of fungaemia caused by Trichosporon species in South-Eastern Europe. ACTA MICROBIOLOGICA ET IMMUNOLOGICA HUNGARICA, 73 (2). pp. 143-156. ISSN 1217-8950

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Abstract

The incidence of fungaemia caused by rare yeasts, particularly Trichosporon species, is rising globally, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges—especially in immunocompromised patients. This systematic review aims to analyse the epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, antifungal susceptibility, and clinical outcomes of Trichosporon fungaemia (TF) in South-Eastern Europe, including Turkey. Acomprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus in August 2025. A total of 59 cases from 12 studies were identified, with Trichosporon asahii being the most prevalent species (86.4%). Cases originated from Turkey (79.7%), Greece (18.6%), and Croatia (1.7%). Diagnostic techniques varied, with phenotypic methods still widely used. MALDI-TOF MS and DNA sequencing were mainly applied as confirmatory methods. Haematologic disorders were the most frequently reported underlying conditions among the patients. Sixteen breakthrough fungaemia cases—occurring despite empirical or prophylactic antifungal therapy—were identified. Although rare, TF represents a severe infection with significant mortality in South-Eastern Europe. Early and accurate species identification—facilitated by advanced diagnostic tools—is crucial for effective management. In addition to diagnostic difficulties, treatment is also challenging. Voriconazole appears to be the preferred antifungal agent, even in breakthrough fungaemia cases. Enhanced awareness, routine use of molecular diagnostics, and ongoing epidemiological monitoring are essential to improve patient outcomes.

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