Pulmonary colonization by Chrysosporium zonatum associated with allergic inflammation in an immunocompetent subject

We report a case of noninvasive pulmonary disease due to Chrysosporium zonatum in an immunocompetent male. The fungus colonized an existing tuberculous cavity and was isolated from transbronchial lavage fluid and from a percutaneous aspiration specimen. The disease was accompanied by the unusual feature of an allergic reaction. The fungus ball was, successfully treated by intracavitary administration of amphotericin B. C zonatum is the anamorph of the heterothallic ascomycete Uncinocarpus orissi, and the identity of the case isolate was verified by formation of ascospores in mating tests with reference isolates.