Disseminated neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare and fatal infection of neonates and children. This report describes a case of disseminated mucormycosis originating in the gastrointestinal tract of a premature infant of 26 weeks gestational age. The antemortem impression was that of necrotizing enterocolitis, diagnosed at 15 days of age, followed by death at 22 days. However, autopsy revealed extensive colonization and invasion of the small intestine and colon by mucormycosis, with blood and peritoneal fluid cultures positive for Mucorales species but negative for bacteria. There was associated hematogenous and adjacent spread of organisms to other viscera.