An unusual case of <i>Microascus</i> brain abscess in an immunocompetent child and a review of the literature.

Abstract

We present a case of brain abscess in an immunocompetent child due to the dematiaceous fungus <i>Microascus cinereus</i>, an organism commonly found in soil and stored grains. The etiologic agent was demonstrated by direct microscopy and culture. The patient responded well to surgical excision of abscess along with a course of amphotericin B and voriconazole. <i>Microascus</i> species have emerged as significant invasive pathogens especially in the immunocompromised patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of brain abscess caused by <i>M. cinereus</i> in an immunocompetent individual with no underlying risk factors.