Ochroconis Gallopava: a Dematiaceous Mold Causing Infections in Transplant Recipients

The dematiaceous mold Ochroconis gallopava is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen. Infection is almost always associated with immunosuppression. We describe a case with a unique presentation in a kidney transplant recipient and retrospectively review all 10 cases of O. gallopava at our institution over 18 yr, all in organ transplant recipients. Sixty percent of infections at our institution occurred in the last five yr studied. Infection generally occurred late after transplantation, and pulmonary infection was the most common manifestation. Use of almetuzumab for induction was associated with infection in the first six months post-transplant (p = 0.03). Attributable mortality at six months was 20%. Ochroconis gallopava is a rare but important pathogen in immunosuppressed individuals and organ transplantation is the most common underlying condition. Pulmonary involvement is the most common manifestation among patients with organ transplant. Optimal therapy remains undefined. Prognosis in organ transplant recipients is good if infection is diagnosed prior to dissemination.