Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in children mimicking as abdominal malignancy: A rare case report

Abstract

Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis (GIB) is an unusual fungal disease caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, seen in the stomach, small intestine, colon, and liver. It has been rarely reported in the literature and most of the reported cases have been from US, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. Basidiobolus ranarum is an environmental saprophyte found worldwide. It is a member of the order Entomophthorales of the class zygomycete. The infection is generally restricted to subcutaneous tissues but the disease can also involve visceral organs.GIB usually has nonspecific clinical manifestations and its diagnosis is more challenging. Delayed diagnosis of GIB increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in pediatric patient. The plan of our case report is to illustrate the wide range of clinical presentations, clinico-radiological and histopathological diagnosis, management and outcomes. Keywords: Basidiobolomycosis, Gastrointestinal, Pediatrics, Malignancy, Entomophthorales, Immunocompetent.