Severe pulmonary mucorales superinfection in three influenzapatients with and without influenza-associated aspergillosis

Abstract

Mucormycosisis an opportunistic fungal disease which affects immunocompromised hosts including patients with haematologic malignancies and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Mucorales grow invasively and are associated with high mortality even if promptly diagnosed. Viral infection like influenza can cause severe pneumonia and is associated with pulmonary aspergillosis. Here we report three separate cases of Mucorales super infection in critically-ill patients with influenza infection, one of them histologically confirmed. Two patients also had influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Two patients had fatal clinical outcome despite intensive care. The simultaneous detection of these two rare mold infections in patients with severe influenza is highly remarkable and calls for increased awareness.