Esophageal and Gastric Phaeohyphomycosis in a Malnourished Child: A Rare Gastrointestinal Fungal Infection With Concomitant Candidiasis and Giardiasis

Phaeohyphomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by dematiaceous (melanized) fungi, typically presenting as a localized subcutaneous nodule or cyst, and as systemic disease in immunocompromised individuals. It rarely involves the gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal candidiasis, a common fungal infection of the gastrointestinal tract, may cause dysphagia, whereas giardiasis is a protozoal infection, primarily associated with diarrhea and malabsorption. We report an unusual example of concomitant esophageal and gastric phaeohyphomycosis, esophageal candidiasis and duodenal giardiasis in an 8-year-old child, who presented with absolute dysphagia secondary to esophageal stricture and severe malnutrition. Histopathological examination established the diagnosis, and the patient was successfully managed with medical therapy, resulting in complete clinical, endoscopic, and histological resolution on follow-up.