Emergence of Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis in the United States, With a Review of Worldwide Cases

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http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/03/21/cid.cis250

Emergence of Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis in the United States, With a Review of Worldwide Cases

1. Holenarasipur R. Vikram1,
2. Jerry D. Smilack1,
3. Jonathan A. Leighton2,
4. Michael D. Crowell2, and
5. Giovanni De Petris3

- Author Affiliations

1. <address>¹Division of Infectious Diseases </address>
2. <address>²Division of Gastroenterology </address>
3. <address>³Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona </address>

1. Correspondence: Holenarasipur R. Vikram, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054 .

Abstract

Background. We examined the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, histopathology, management, and outcomes of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis, an uncommon manifestation of infection caused by the fungus Basidiobolus ranarum.
[snip]
Results. Of 44 patients (mean age, 37 years [range, 2?81 years]) with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis, most were from the United States (19 patients [43%], of whom 17 [89%] were from Arizona) or Saudi Arabia (11 [25%]). Most (28 [64%]) were previously healthy. Common chronic medical conditions among 15 patients (34%) were diabetes mellitus (8 patients [18%]) and gastric disorders (7 [16%]). Common findings were abdominal pain (37 patients [84%]) and a palpable abdominal mass (19 [43%]). Intraabdominal malignancy was the leading provisional diagnosis (19 patients [43%]). The large bowel was involved in 36 (82%), the small intestine in 16 (36%), and the liver or gallbladder in 13 (30%). Characteristic histopathologic findings were observed in 43 (98%). Eight patients (18%) died. Combined surgical intervention and antifungal therapy was the preferred treatment.
Conclusions.  Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is an emerging invasive fungal infection in desert regions of the US Southwest. Clinical findings mimic malignancy and inflammatory bowel disease. Surgical excision and prolonged antifungal therapy are associated with favorable outcomes.

• Received August 12, 2011.
• Accepted February 16, 2012.

? The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.