Published online Dec 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i35.11108
Peer-review started: August 6, 2021
First decision: September 2, 2021
Revised: September 9, 2021
Accepted: October 29, 2021
Article in press: October 29, 2021
Published online: December 16, 2021
Processing time: 126 Days and 2.9 Hours
Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) lung infection is an invasive fungal disease with high mortality that is increasingly common in immunocompromised patients. However, it is very rare in immunocompetent patients. Here, we present the case of a 19-year-old girl who developed R. microsporus lung infection without any known immunodeficiency.
The patient presented to our hospital because of hemoptysis and irritative cough without expectoration. She was first treated for community-acquired pneumonia until the detection of R. microsporus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS). After a combination therapy of intravenous inhalation and local airway perfusion of amphotericin B, she eventually recovered, with significant absorption of lung infections.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for pulmonary mucormycosis. Compared to fungal culture, mNGS is a relatively precise and convenient method to obtain pathogenic results. A combination therapy of intravenous inhalation and local airway perfusion of amphotericin B may be a promising strategy for the treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis in the future.
Core Tip: We present the case of a 19-year-old girl who developed Rhizopus microsporus (R. microsporus) lung infection without any known immunodeficiency. Due to the early detection of the R. microsporus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by metagenomics next generation sequencing, promptly anti-mucor therapy was started. A new attempt of a combination therapy of intravenous, inhalation, and local airway perfusion of amphotericin B was then performed, which showed a good therapeutic effect.