Author/Authors :
Taghizadeh Armaki ، Mojtaba Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology - School of Medicine - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Jafarzadeh ، Jalal Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology - School of Medicine - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Mahdavi Omran ، Saeid Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology - School of Medicine - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Bayani ، masoumeh Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Tavassoli ، Ali Clinical Research Development Unit - Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Faeli ، Leila Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Nosratabadi ، Mohsen Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Yaalimadad ، Sanaz Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Nikoueian ، Bahador Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Haghani ، Iman Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Moazeni ، Maryam Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Shokohi ، Tahereh Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Hedayati ، Mohammad Taghi Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Abastabar ، Mahdi Department of Medical Mycology - School of Medicine, Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background and Purpose: Invasive mucormycosis is a rare mycosis that affects most cases of uncontrolled diabetes and has a high mortality rate. Patients with COVID-19 are at high risk of developing invasive mucormycosis due to the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and dexamethasone. Rhizopus species followed by Rhizomucor spp. and Mucor spp. are the main common etiological agents of rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Therefore, this study aimed to present a case of mucormycosis due to Syncephalastrum racemosum in a diabetic patient with COVID-19 for the first time in Iran. Case report: A 73-year-old diabetic female was referred to Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol, Iran, with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, based on positive RT-PCR and computed tomography of the lungs. She has received methylprednisolone due to severe lung complications. Nasal involvement and left orbital swelling were observed 20 days after the hospitalization. By sinus endoscopic surgery, debridement was done and histopathology indicated wide hyphae (without septa). The sequenced PCR products displayed Syncephalastrum racemosum. In the antifungal susceptibility test, amphotericin B showed good activity against S. racemosum and the patient survived with timely treatment. Conclusion: This is the first case report of rhino-orbital mucormycosis due to S. racemosum in COVID-19 patient; therefore, S. racemosum can be considered one of the etiological factors of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 cases.
Keywords :
COVID , 19 , Mucormycosis , Syncephalastrum racemosum
