Fatal Empyema Thoracis Caused by Schizophyllum commune with Cross-Reactive Cryptococcal Antigenemia

ABSTRACT We report a fatal case of Schizophyllum commune empyema thoracis with cross-reactive cryptococcal antigenemia. In vitro testing confirmed the ability of the fungus to cause a positive c ryptococcal a ntigen l atex a gglutination s ystem (CALAS) test result. Such a result may lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment, as most strains of S. commune are resistant to fluconazole.