Healthcare-associated Pediatric Cutaneous Mucormycosis at Texas Children's Hospital, 2012-2019
Catherine E Foster1, Paula A Revell2, Judith R Campbell1
1From the Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics.
Insights
Healthcare-associated mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection in children. Skin lesions near medical device sites warrant concern, especially in vulnerable patients, though a definitive source was not found in this outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cutaneous mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality in children.
- Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant risk to pediatric patients with underlying conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of pediatric patients with healthcare-associated cutaneous mucormycosis.
- To report findings from an outbreak investigation of this infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 12 patients.
- Analysis of clinical characteristics and outbreak investigation data.
Main Results:
- Twelve cases of healthcare-associated cutaneous mucormycosis were identified.
- Skin lesions were frequently observed near medical device securement sites.
- A definitive source for the outbreak could not be determined.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous mucormycosis is a critical concern in pediatric patients, particularly those with underlying illnesses.
- Suspicion for mucormycosis should be heightened for skin lesions adjacent to medical device sites.
- Further investigation is needed to identify sources of healthcare-associated mucormycosis outbreaks.
Abstract:
Cutaneous mucormycosis in children is an opportunistic fungal infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We describe characteristics of 12 patients with healthcare-associated cutaneous mucormycosis at Texas Children's Hospital and results of an outbreak investigation. A definitive source was not identified. Skin lesions near medical device securement sites should raise concern for mucormycosis in patients with underlying medical conditions.
