Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis treated with posaconazole

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum.
• It typically affects the gastrointestinal tract, presenting as an abdominal mass.
• This case highlights an unusual presentation involving intestinal obstruction and hydronephrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of basidiobolomycosis presenting with intestinal obstruction and hydronephrosis.
• To describe the diagnostic process, including histopathology and PCR identification of Basidiobolus ranarum.
• To evaluate the efficacy of posaconazole in treating this condition.

Main Methods:

• Surgical exploration and histopathological examination of the abdominal mass.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing for fungal identification.
• Clinical monitoring of patient response to posaconazole treatment.

Main Results:

• Histopathology confirmed basidiobolomycosis.
• PCR identified the causative agent as Basidiobolus ranarum.
• One year of posaconazole treatment led to mass reduction, relief of hydronephrosis, and resolution of peripheral eosinophilia.

Conclusions:

• Basidiobolomycosis can present with indolent gastrointestinal symptoms and significant complications like obstruction.
• Accurate identification of Basidiobolus ranarum is crucial for appropriate treatment.
• Posaconazole is an effective therapeutic option for managing basidiobolomycosis.