Two cases of fungemia caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus, an arthroconidial yeast-like fungus, in non-hematologic immunocompromised patients are described. Both patients died before definite diagnosis of M. capitatus was made. The report highlights that pending confirmation of the isolate by phenotypic and/or molecular methods, the characteristic morphologic features observed in Gram-stained smears of blood culture positive bottles can lead to early preliminary diagnosis, thus significantly reducing time required for initiating appropriate antifungal therapy.
Keywords: Arthroconidial yeast; Blood culture; Diagnosis; Magnusiomyces capitatus; Microscopy.