Conidiobolomycosis in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

This review highlights the important features of conidiobolomycosis infection and describes its presentation in pediatric population. The importance of a broaden differential diagnosis to include fungal infections taking into account the geographical location and history of exposure. There is evidence of conidiobolomycosis affecting not only immunocompetent hosts but also more susceptible individuals that can present with atypical or systemic/disseminated disease, including children. Conidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by species of the genera Conidiobolus. It affects skin and soft tissue mainly from nasal and face location, though atypical presentation which consists of orbital/eye/maxillary sinus involvement and disseminated/systemic disease can be present. These forms of disease are more frequent in children and immunocompromised/chronic patients. Diagnosis should be established with culture and histopathology. Treatment is not standardized, but combination of antifungal drugs with surgical interventions has shown highest efficacy.