Gastrointestinal mucormycosis: A success story and appraisal of concepts

Summary: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic, life-threatening fungal infection caused by fungi of the class Zygomycetes. The disease has traditionally been reported in immunocompromised patients, premature infants, diabetics, transplant recipients, prolonged use of corticosteroids or in condition associated with increased availability of serum iron such as acidosis or deferoxamine administration. The infection is progressive and associated with a high mortality unless treatment is initiated promptly. The number of cases of gastrointestinal mucormycosis indexed on PubMed over the past 2 decades has shown an alarming rise. Moreover, the infection is being increasingly reported in patients without the traditional risk factors.We report successful management of an immunocompetent child with gastrointestinal mucormycosis who responded to aggressive treatment with surgical debridement and antifungal agents. The fungicidal activity of colistin (polymyxin E) has also been highlighted. Keywords: Mucormycosis, Gastrointestinal mucormycosis, Intestinal perforation, Colistin, Polymyxin