Pulmonary talaromycosis leads to respiratory failure in an HIV-negative patient in Shandong Province: case report.

BACKGROUND: Talaromyces marneffei is a common travel related fungal disease, primarily found in southern China and frequently affecting HIV-positive patients. Recently, there has been a notable increase in reports of cases in HIV-negative patients, yet few successful treatments for localized pulmonary talaromycosis with respiratory failure have been documented. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50 year-old welder returned from Fujian to Zibo, Shandong Province (northern China) due to fever and respiratory distress, and sought medical attention at our department. The patient collected pathogenic specimens through various methods, and finally sputum culture revealed T. marneffei. After active antifungal treatment and respiratory support, the patient recovered and was discharged from our hospital. CONCLUSION: Infections caused by T. marneffei can manifest as diffuse pulmonary lesions accompanied by respiratory failure. Key factors for successful treatment include thorough tracking of the disease history, acquiring pathogens through multiple methods, and timely antifungal intervention. We must remain vigilant regarding this infection in nonendemic areas.