Neonatal colonic mucormycosis--a tropical perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Neonatal Surgery
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection.
• It is often fatal and challenging to diagnose preoperatively.
• This condition can present with severe gastrointestinal complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three cases of neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis.
• To review the literature on this rare condition.
• To identify factors influencing survival.

Main Methods:

• Case series of three neonates with gastrointestinal mucormycosis.
• Histopathological diagnosis postoperatively.
• Literature review of similar cases.

Main Results:

• All three infants presented with colon necrosis and multiple perforations.
• Diagnoses included Hirschsprung's disease and small left colon syndrome initially.
• Two infants died despite or without antifungal treatment; one survived with clear surgical margins.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive management are critical for survival.
• Surgical debridement and appropriate antifungal therapy are essential components of treatment.
• Successful outcomes depend on timely intervention and surgical resection.