Unsuspected Intestinal Mucormycosis in a Neonate Presenting As Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Abstract

Mucormycosis of the gut in neonates is rare, difficult to recognize and hence usually fatal. These cases are usually diagnosed initially as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which leads to a delay in specific treatment. We present a case of neonatal gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mucormycosis in a 2-day-old infant diagnosed following laparotomy and resection for presumptive NEC, together with a review of cases of GIT mucormycosis in newborn babies in the literature.

Key words

mucormycosis - neonate - necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) - fungus - gangrene - intestinal obstruction

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