therapeutic action: mechanical ventilation

Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

A 12-month-old girl with a serious immune system disorder called HLH developed a rare and dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis. Despite receiving the best available treatments, the fungal infection spread throughout her digestive system and caused a perforation (hole) in her intestines. The doctors found it difficult to diagnose the fungal infection early because the warning signs were subtle, and the infection progressed very rapidly. Unfortunately, the girl passed away despite emergency surgery and high-dose antifungal medications.

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Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

A 12-month-old girl developed a serious immune system disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by Epstein-Barr virus infection. Despite aggressive treatment, she developed a life-threatening fungal infection caused by mucormycosis that spread throughout her digestive system. The case illustrates how fungal infections can rapidly progress and become fatal in children with severely weakened immune systems, emphasizing the need for doctors to recognize early warning signs like tissue darkening on the skin.

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Photo Quiz: Unexpected yeast in a premature infant—pathogen or passenger

A newborn baby born very prematurely developed a yeast organism called Malassezia pachydermatis in a sputum sample, which was identified in the hospital laboratory. Researchers investigated whether this yeast was causing a serious infection or was just a harmless colonizer. Follow-up testing showed no infection, and the baby improved without antifungal treatment, suggesting it was contamination rather than true disease. However, this finding is important because this yeast has been known to cause serious infections in premature babies in hospital settings.

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

An 87-year-old man with COVID-19 developed a rare and severe fungal infection in his airways caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Doctors used a camera tube (bronchoscope) to see thick, yellowish-white membrane-like material coating his entire windpipe and airways, which is an extremely rare complication. Despite starting antifungal medications, his condition rapidly worsened leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how COVID-19 can leave patients vulnerable to serious secondary fungal infections that require immediate recognition and treatment.

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

An elderly COVID-19 patient developed a rare and severe fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus in the airways, creating yellowish-white membrane-like deposits that blocked breathing. Despite identification of the fungus through examination and modern genetic testing, and treatment with antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how fungal infections can complicate COVID-19, especially in elderly patients on multiple medications, and stresses the importance of early recognition and immediate antifungal treatment.

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