Disseminated infection caused by Cunninghamella bertholletiae in a patient with beta-thalassemia. Case report and review of the literature

Ann Intern Med. 1985 Jan;102(1):59-63. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-102-1-59.

Abstract

Rare cases of acute mucormycosis in immunocompromised persons have been attributed to Cunninghamella bertholletiae. We report the first known case of this organism causing a chronic, indolent, systemic disease clinically similar to entomophthoramycosis. Cunninghamella bertholletiae is an opportunistic pathogen whose morbidity may be underappreciated because it is usually considered to be a laboratory contaminant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azacitidine / adverse effects
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Entomophthora
  • Hematopoiesis / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Male
  • Mucormycosis / etiology*
  • Mucormycosis / immunology
  • Mucormycosis / microbiology
  • Mycoses / diagnosis
  • Splenectomy
  • Thalassemia / complications*
  • Thalassemia / therapy

Substances

  • Azacitidine