Disseminated Talaromyces Marneffei Infection associated with Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a HIV-Negative Patient in Northern China: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background: Talaromyces marneffei is endemic in eastern India, southeast Asia, and Guangdong and Guangxi province in China. It’s more common in immunocompromised individuals, especially in HIV patients. Case presentation: A 66-year-old male who had a history of hypertension resided in Shandong Province (Northern China) was admitted for recurrent fever for one month. The patient suffered recurrent fever, multiple lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, back rash, progressive decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Talaromyces marneffei were cultured in peripheral blood and bone marrow after admission, and a suspected fungal structure was found in lymph node pathology. The patient's infection secondary to hemophagocytic syndrome continued to worsen despite antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and symptomatic treatment, leading to death due to multiple organ failure. Conclusion:Although rare, infections due to Talaromyces marneffei in HIV-negative patients are increasing in recent years and we should be vigilant against "new" infections in nonendemic areas.