Diverse Presentations of Invasive Aspergillus and Mucorales Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: A Case Series

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose significant challenges in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes, malignancies, HIV, COVID-19, or prolonged corticosteroid use. Invasive infections due to <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales, alone or in combination, are increasingly recognized, often with atypical presentations. These fungal infections can mimic bacterial or tubercular diseases and pose significant therapeutic challenges, as their management requires tailored antifungal regimens, particularly in cases of co-infections. We present three cases of diverse presentations of <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales infections in immunocompromised patients. Case 1: A 65-year-old male with renal and bladder carcinoma developed a cavitary pulmonary lesion; bronchoalveolar lavage grew <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, and a concurrent urinary tract infection with <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> was identified. Case 2: A 58-year-old diabetic male presented with right-sided rhinosinusitis and visual loss; surgical biopsy demonstrated <i>Rhizopus arrhizus</i> and <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>. Case 3: A 70-year-old diabetic male with respiratory distress was found to have a hepatic abscess with pleuro-peritoneal extension due to <i>Rhizopus pusillus</i>; sputum cultures additionally yielded <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>. These cases underscore the evolving clinical spectrum of <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales infections. High clinical suspicion, timely imaging, and microbiological confirmation are critical for early diagnosis. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical intervention, targeted antifungal therapy, and control of underlying risk factors. Reporting such rare and atypical presentations contributes to improved awareness and evidence-based strategies in managing these life-threatening infections.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-09-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.92799
Primary Topic
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Diverse Presentations of Invasive Aspergillus and Mucorales Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: A Case Series

Nidhi Bhatnagar, Ashish Ranjan, Nishtha Singh, Rungmei S. K. Marak
Cureus
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
article

Diverse Presentations of Invasive Aspergillus and Mucorales Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: A Case Series

Nidhi Bhatnagar, Ashish Ranjan, Nishtha Singh, Rungmei S. K. Marak
article en

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose significant challenges in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes, malignancies, HIV, COVID-19, or prolonged corticosteroid use. Invasive infections due to <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales, alone or in combination, are increasingly recognized, often with atypical presentations. These fungal infections can mimic bacterial or tubercular diseases and pose significant therapeutic challenges, as their management requires tailored antifungal regimens, particularly in cases of co-infections. We present three cases of diverse presentations of <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales infections in immunocompromised patients. Case 1: A 65-year-old male with renal and bladder carcinoma developed a cavitary pulmonary lesion; bronchoalveolar lavage grew <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, and a concurrent urinary tract infection with <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> was identified. Case 2: A 58-year-old diabetic male presented with right-sided rhinosinusitis and visual loss; surgical biopsy demonstrated <i>Rhizopus arrhizus</i> and <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>. Case 3: A 70-year-old diabetic male with respiratory distress was found to have a hepatic abscess with pleuro-peritoneal extension due to <i>Rhizopus pusillus</i>; sputum cultures additionally yielded <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>. These cases underscore the evolving clinical spectrum of <i>Aspergillus</i> and Mucorales infections. High clinical suspicion, timely imaging, and microbiological confirmation are critical for early diagnosis. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical intervention, targeted antifungal therapy, and control of underlying risk factors. Reporting such rare and atypical presentations contributes to improved awareness and evidence-based strategies in managing these life-threatening infections.

CureusVol. 17(9)
Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (IN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.