Related Experiment Videos

Pediatric gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis

Ahmed Al Jarie1, Ibrahim Al-Mohsen, Suliman Al Jumaah

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection affecting children, often presenting with abdominal masses and eosinophilia. Early consideration in pediatric differentials is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Basidiobolomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection primarily affecting the skin.
  • Gastrointestinal involvement is rare but can occur in pediatric cases.
  • This study focuses on identifying key features of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in children.

Observation:

  • A retrospective review of six pediatric patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis between March 2000 and March 2002.
  • Four of the six pediatric patients originated from the same geographical region, suggesting potential environmental exposure.
  • Patients presented with abdominal mass and eosinophilia.

Findings:

  • Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is an unusual fungal infection.
  • Pediatric cases can present with abdominal mass and eosinophilia.
  • Regional clustering suggests environmental factors may play a role in transmission.

Implications:

  • Basidiobolomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with abdominal masses and eosinophilia.
  • Awareness of this rare condition can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
  • Further research into environmental factors and transmission routes is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...