P185 Epidemiology of human fusariosis in Greece: results from a 16-year nationwide multicenter survey

POSTER SESSION 2, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: OBJECTIVES: Fusariosis in humans comprises a vast array of rare but serious and difficult-to-treat infections, ranging from keratitis and onychomycosis in immunocompetent hosts to life-threatening systemic infections in immunocompromised patients such as those with hematologic malignancies. We aimed to assess the disease burden and baseline epidemiology of fusariosis in Greece. METHODS: From 2004 through 2020 a prospective, nationwide, multicenter survey took place. Demographic and clinical data of fusariosis cases were recorded. Fusarium strains isolated were identified to species level with molecular methods and/or MALDI-TOF MS, and tested for antifungal susceptibility in vitro with the EUCAST methodology. RESULTS: A total of 54 cases were registered. The most frequent infection was keratitis (n = 21, 39%), followed by bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic malignancy (n = 12, 22.2%). Other infections involved the respiratory tract (n = 3, 5.5%), and sinuses (n = 3, 5.5%) in immunocompromised patients, soft tissues after trauma (n = 5, 9.3%), or diabetic foot (n = 2, 3.7%), and onychomycosis (n = 8, 14.8%). The estimated incidence of invasive Fusarium infections was 2.9 cases/year (0.027 cases/100 000 population). The most frequently isolated species were: F. solani species complex (SC) (n = 13, 24%), F. oxysporum SC (13, 24%), F. fujikuroi SC (n = 12, 22.2%, of which 6 F. verticillioides and 6 F. proliferatum). Other SCs included F. brachygibbosum, F. chlamydosporum, and F. dimerum. In keratitis cases, F. solani was associated with infection secondary to injury with plant material, whereas F. fujikuroi with soft contact lens wear. Fusarium oxysporum was more frequently isolated from nails or soft tissue infections (53.8%). Antifungal MICs were high, with no clear interspecies differences (geometric mean 1.6, 2.5, 3.2 mg/l for amphotericin B, voriconazole, and posaconazole, respectively, median values 2, 4, 8 mg/L, respectively). Fluconazole and the echinocandins showed no activity (MIC >32 mg/l). The most frequently used antifungals were amphotericin B and voriconazole, usually in combination. Treatment failure in keratitis was 38.5%. In patients with hematologic malignancy the crude mortality rate was 71.4%, usually related to the underlying disease. Soft tissue infections complicating diabetic foot or trauma were treated surgically, with favorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: Fusarium infections in Greece remain rare, but with considerable morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised. Early diagnosis and initiation of the appropriate treatment were critical for a successful outcome in keratitis cases, despite moderately high MICs of the antifungals used.