Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR
08:56

Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR

Published on: June 27, 2017

A case of peritonitis caused by Rhizopus microsporus

Stefan Monecke, Kristina Hochauf, Birgit Gottschlich

    Mycoses
    |February 10, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    A renal transplant patient developed peritonitis caused by Rhizopus microsporus, a mould. Despite extensive treatment including antifungal drugs and surgery, the patient succumbed to the infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Mycology
    • Transplant Surgery
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Post-renal transplant infections pose significant risks.
    • Fungal peritonitis is a rare but serious complication.
    • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient outcomes.

    Observation:

    • A 62-year-old female presented with peritonitis following a renal transplant.
    • Initial treatment for Candida glabrata with voriconazole was ineffective.
    • Laparotomy revealed mould-like plaques on the peritoneum.

    Findings:

    • Pan-fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA microarray identified Rhizopus microsporus as the causative agent.
    • The patient received aggressive surgical and medical management, including amphotericin B and Lavasept.
    • Despite comprehensive treatment, the patient did not survive.

    Implications:

    • This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing and treating rare fungal infections post-transplant.
    • Rhizopus microsporus should be considered in refractory peritonitis cases after transplantation.
    • Advanced diagnostic techniques like PCR and DNA microarray are vital for identifying unusual pathogens.

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    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...
    Microbial Spoilage of Food01:23

    Microbial Spoilage of Food

    Microbial food spoilage refers to the degradation of food quality resulting from the metabolic activity of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds. These microbes proliferate on various food substrates depending on factors such as moisture content, nutrient availability, and storage conditions, leading to undesirable sensory and structural changes.Bacteria are primary agents of spoilage in high-moisture, nutrient-dense foods like meat, milk, and vegetables. Microbial spoilage occurs...
    Amebiasis01:28

    Amebiasis

    Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...