S10.4c Successful treatment of mucormycosis in hematological diseases

The diagnosis of mucormycosis relies upon the identification of organisms in tissue by histopathology with culture confirmation. However, culture often yields no growth, and histopathologic identification of an organism with a structure typical of Mucorales may provide the only evidence of infection. PCR-based technique may contribute to the early diagnosis of mucormycosis. We developed a new antigen test. We searched for secreted or membrane-bound proteins of Rhizopus oryzae. Protein RSA (Rhizopus-specific antigen, 23 kDa) was detected at significantly higher concentrations in serum and in lung homogenates of the R. oryzae-infected mice as compared to those of uninfected mice. And we will show a case of hematological disease with diagnosis using RSA test and successful treatment with Liposomal amphotericin B. Our study indicates that protein RSA may be a promising biomarker of R. oryzae infection.