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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 1 ( January-March, 2021 ) > List of Articles

Case Files

Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis: An Emerging Fungal Infection of the Gastrointestinal Tract, the Royal Hospital (Sultanate of Oman) Experience

Mohammed Al-Masqari, Amal Al-Maani, Fatma Ramadhan

Citation Information : Al-Masqari M, Al-Maani A, Ramadhan F. Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis: An Emerging Fungal Infection of the Gastrointestinal Tract, the Royal Hospital (Sultanate of Oman) Experience. Pediatr Inf Dis 2021; 3 (1):46-49.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10081-1290

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-03-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aims and objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, histopathology findings, management, and ancillary techniques which are important for diagnosis, management, and outcome of an uncommon manifestation caused by the Basidiobolus ranarum. Materials and methods: This is a case series of five interesting cases of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis (GIB). This study was conducted in the histopathology department at the Royal hospital which is a tertiary care institution. Cases diagnosed with all types of fungal gastrointestinal disease between 2008 and 2015 were reviewed. Cases with morphological features of basidiobolomycosis were retrieved and the diagnosis was confirmed by a senior pathologist. Results: Five cases were identified. Out of five patients, four were misdiagnosed with other types of fungal infections which resulted in high morbidity and mortality. This case series revealed that the majority of patients identified are pediatrics (60%). Further, (60%) were from the same region (Ad Dakhiliyah). All patients presented with unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms that clinically mimic serious diseases. Additionally, all patients shared similar radiological findings and laboratory investigations. Conclusion: Diagnosis of GIB requires a high index of suspicion, increased awareness of this rare disease aid in early diagnosis and promote an early start of treatment. Since there is a resemblance in the clinical features of inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disease, GIB should be considered in the differential diagnosis.


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