Fungal infection in an immunocompetent host presenting a perioral mass

Abstract

Fungal infection is less common among children, but usually constitutes an opportunistic infection among immunocompromised hosts. However, some rare fungal infections can also occur among immunocompetent hosts. Entomophthoromycosis caused by fungus in the phylum Zygomycota, is a rare disease among immunocompetent hosts. Herein, we described 1 case of a 1-year-old girl presenting a perioral mass for three months. The mass was not tender and did not improve after treatment with empiric antibiotics. Initial laboratory investigations were within normal limits. MRI of paranasal sinus revealed a mass of 1.8 x 5.4 x 3.8 cm. In addition, a tissue biopsy was performed, in which the tissue histopathology revealed mixed inflammatory cells with nonseptate hyphae surrounded by eosinophils. This finding was consistent with the Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Although tissue culture for fungus was negative, the patient was treated with itraconazole and complete response was observed within 7 months. This case report described a diagnosis of Entomophthoromycosis from tissue histopathology and a good response observed after treating with antifungal agents.