[Disseminated mucormycosis in AIDS]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection with high mortality.
• It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, but is infrequently reported in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients.
• Disseminated mucormycosis presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive male from Zaire presented with rapidly progressing disseminated mucormycosis.
• Fungal elements, identified as Rhizopus orizae, were observed with pronounced vascular tropism across multiple organs, including pulmonary, cardiac, renal, hepatic, splenic, and gastric systems.
• The extensive organ involvement and rapid progression underscore the aggressive nature of the infection in this patient.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rare occurrence of disseminated mucormycosis in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient.
• Rhizopus orizae was identified as the causative agent through fungal cultures.
• Histopathological examination revealed extensive fungal invasion with a specific affinity for blood vessels across various organs.

Implications:

• Early microscopic diagnosis of mucormycosis, particularly in its localized stage, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering mucormycosis in the differential diagnosis of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals.
• Further research into risk factors and early detection strategies for mucormycosis in immunocompromised populations is warranted.