A noninvasive rhizopus infection with a bladder fungal ball in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Here we present the first reported case of a noninvasive Rhizopus fungal ball confined to the bladder of a patient with poorly controlled diabetes and right flank pain. The patient developed bilateral hydronephrosis after several hospital admissions for urinary tract infections with multiple failed courses of antibiotics. During cystoscopy to replace a ureteral stent, he was found to harbor a fungal ball in the bladder that was removed and grew Rhizopus in culture. Patient received treatment with amphotericin B and transitioned to long-term posaconazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal agents in urinary tract infections, especially in persistent or refractory cases, and the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in correct identification of the infectious source.