Related Experiment Videos
Invasive zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus incongruus
Abstract:
During the past decade, an increasing spectrum of pathogenic Zygomycetes fungi have caused infections in humans. The preponderance of these deeply invasive infections have been caused by members of the order Mucorales. However, deeply invasive zygomycoses due to genera of the order Entomophthorales (Conidiobolus species and Basidiobolus species) have seldom been reported. We describe a granulocytopenic patient with pulmonary and pericardial zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus incongruus, describe this organism's susceptibility to antifungal agents, characterize its diagnostic microbiological characteristics, and review previously reported cases of deeply invasive zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus species. In immunocompromised patients, C. incongruus is an uncommon but highly invasive fungal pathogen that may be resistant to amphotericin B and can be distinguished from other Zygomycetes fungi by characteristic mycological features.
Insights
Deeply invasive fungal infections caused by Entomophthorales are rare. Conidiobolus incongruus, an uncommon pathogen, can cause severe lung and heart infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Zygomycetes fungi, particularly Mucorales, are common causes of invasive fungal infections.
- Invasive infections due to Entomophthorales, such as Conidiobolus and Basidiobolus species, are rarely reported.
Observation:
- A granulocytopenic patient developed pulmonary and pericardial zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus incongruus.
- This case highlights an uncommon but severe presentation of zygomycosis in an immunocompromised host.
Findings:
- Conidiobolus incongruus demonstrated potential resistance to amphotericin B.
- Diagnostic microbiological characteristics of C. incongruus were identified.
- A review of previously reported cases of invasive zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus species was conducted.
Implications:
- Conidiobolus incongruus is a significant, albeit rare, fungal pathogen in immunocompromised patients.
- Understanding the antifungal susceptibility and diagnostic features of C. incongruus is crucial for effective treatment.
- This study contributes to the knowledge of rare fungal infections and their management in clinical settings.