Battling Pediatric Mold Infections: Invasive Aspergillosis and Invasive Mucormycosis

Mold species are inhaled by people every day and, typically, infection is locally curtailed by the immune system. However, in people who are immunocompromised, invasive aspergillosis (IA) or invasive mucormycosis (IM) can lead to great morbidity and even mortality. Although many studies have been conducted in adults regarding diagnosis and treatment of IA and IM, infections in children have been investigated to a much lower extent. Surabhi Vora is a pediatrician based in Seattle who specializes in treating immunocompromised children with fungal infections. Here, she discusses several issues around IA and IM in these populations, including the importance of detecting and treating these infections early. Diagnosis of IA and IM may be problematic in children as symptoms can be non-specific, such as repeated bouts of fever; chest CTs and laboratory tests may not be as accurate as needed; and accessing tissue for biopsy can be difficult. Treatment of IA and IM can depend on a number of factors, such as the specific pathogen, drug–drug interactions, and a child’s age and ability to consume a medication. Education is needed for both patients and caregivers, especially with regard to the need to take medication for extended periods of time and be on guard for both further IA or IM symptoms and for medication side effects.