Zygomycosis presenting a major clinical challenge: case report on Rhizomucor pusillus infection in a stem-cell-transplant recipient

Mycopathologia. 2011 Sep;172(3):241-5. doi: 10.1007/s11046-011-9424-8. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

Zygomycoses are opportunistic infections caused by the Mucorales fungi. They are typically seen in immunosuppressed patients. The incidence of zygomycosis cases seems to be increasing. We report on zygomycosis in a pediatric, female stem-cell-transplant recipient. This case report underlines the difficulty of taking care of patients with zygomycosis. In fungal infections of immunosuppressive patients on broad-coverage antibiotics, foci of skin necrosis are unique and typical for zygomycoses, and may be helpful in this challenging diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Rhizomucor / isolation & purification*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Transplantation*
  • Zygomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Zygomycosis / microbiology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents