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Mucormycosis in hospitalized patients at a tertiary care center in Lebanon: a case series

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A Correction to this article was published on 07 January 2019

A Correction to this article was published on 14 September 2018

This article has been updated

Abstract

Purpose

Mucormycosis (MCM) is a rare fungal infection affecting people with impaired immunity. Data related to MCM from Lebanon are scarce. The aim of this study is to shed light on the epidemiology, incidence, and outcome of patients with MCM hospitalized at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review between Jan 1, 2008 and Jan 10, 2018. All patients with proven or probable MCM were included.

Results

A total of 20 patients were included. Their median age was 49 years and the majority were males. Comorbidities included mainly hematologic malignancy and diabetes mellitus. Most common sites of involvement were rhino-orbital and pulmonary, respectively. The number of MCM cases/10.000 hospital admissions increased significantly between 2008 and 2017 (0.47 vs. 1.18; P < 0.05). A liposomal amphotericin B formulation alone or in combination with other antifungals was used as a first line agent in all patients. All-cause mortality was 60%; however, death was attributed to MCM in 20% of cases.

Conclusion

The incidence of MCM has significantly increased over the past 10 years at our institution, most likely due to the increasing patient population at risk. Understanding the epidemiology of MCM in our setting would help guide antifungal therapy.

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Change history

  • 07 January 2019

    Unfortunately, the original version of this article contains mistakes. The names “Jean El-Cheikh” and Aline El Zakhem were spelled incorrectly.

  • 14 September 2018

    The spelling of the name “Ali Bazarbachi” was incorrect.

  • 07 January 2019

    Unfortunately, the original version of this article contains mistakes. The names ���Jean El-Cheikh��� and Aline El Zakhem were spelled incorrectly.

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Author notes

  1. Jean El-Sheikh and Aline Zakhem contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

    Saeed El Zein, Aline Zakhem, Dima Ibrahim & Souha S. Kanj

  2. Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Jean El-Sheikh & Ali Bazarbachi

Authors
  1. Saeed El Zein
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  2. Jean El-Sheikh
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  3. Aline Zakhem
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  4. Dima Ibrahim
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  5. Ali Bazarbachi
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  6. Souha S. Kanj
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Souha S. Kanj.

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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

The ​original ​version ​of ​this ​article ​was ​revised: The spelling of the name “Ali Bazarbachi” was incorrect.

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El Zein, S., El-Sheikh, J., Zakhem, A. et al. Mucormycosis in hospitalized patients at a tertiary care center in Lebanon: a case series. Infection 46, 811–821 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-018-1195-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-018-1195-4

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