Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis Mimicking Colon Cancer in a Sudanese Patient

Abstract

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare disease caused by the fungus Basidiobolus ranarum. The incidence Rate of Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis is approximately 1 in 45,333,334 or 0.00% in every 5 people in USA), member of the class Zygomycetes found worldwide (1) .Basidiobolomycosis is usually a subcutaneous infection but rarely gastrointestinal 1. This fungus is found mainly in the soil and on decaying vegetations 2. It has been isolated from the banks of tropical rivers in West Africa, and has also been found in association with some insects 2. The fungus is known to be present in the gastrointestinal tracts of reptiles, amphibians, and some bat species 3. Definitive diagnosis requires culture and serological testing may be helpful. The fungal morphology and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon are characteristic histological features. Basidiobolomycosis is treated with surgical resection and itracanzole 200mg BD for three months or Amphotericin B 5mg /kg iv/24 hrs 4 .

Fungal infections in Sudan: An underestimated health problem

“…Cases of entomophthoramycosis were reported from Sudan: 10 cases of basidiobolomycosis and one caused by Conidiobolus spp. [ 64 – 67 ]. The latter case was an immigrant from Sudan who was diagnosed one month after arrival in Switzerland.…”

Fungal infections in Sudan: an underestimated health problem

“…Using a conservative 6% proportion on this age group[63], around 631,300 Sudanese women are probably affected by rVVC (2698 per 100,000).Cases of entomophthoramycosis were reported from Sudan: 10 cases of basidiobolomycosis and one caused by Conidiobolus spp. [64][65][66][67]. The latter case was an immigrant from Sudan who was diagnosed one month after arrival in Switzerland.…”