<I>Paecilomyces lilacinus</I>: An Emerging Pathogen

Abstract

Paecilomyces is a common saprophyte found in air and food and is also associated with many types of human infections. Pneumonia due to Paecilomyces is rare and the clinical manifestations are unspecific. So distinguishing Paecilomyces infection clinically and prompt microbiological identification will help in adminiatering empirical antifungal therapy. We describe a case of atypical pneumonia by Paecilomyces lilacinus in a patient with interstitial lung disease and cor pulmonale. The female patient had breathlessness for over two years and was admitted to hospital as it worsened. Her X-ray revealed right and left ventricular failure. Sputum was sent for fungal bacterial culture and KOH for fungal elements. The Culture on Sabourouds Dextrose Agar grew purecolonies of Paecilomyces