Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis: a case report

Abstract

<p class="abstract">Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis or conidiobolomycosis is a rare subcutaneous mycosis seen in immunocompetent people and shows significant male preponderance. It is caused by a saprophytic fungus ‘conidiobolus coronatus’ or rarely conidiobolus incogruus. The mode of transmission is probably inhalation of fungal spores, which implant in nasal mucosa and cause an orofacial granulomatosis. It is reported mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. The infection is frequently underreported since it requires high level of clinical suspicion. Histopathology and fungal culture are the diagnostic modalities. No single antifungal drug has been found to give consistent results against this infection. Here we present a case of rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis (conidiobolomycosis) in an adult male with a disfiguring lesion over the dorsum of nose. The patient was started on itraconazole initially. Following no response to the treatment, he was administered potassium iodide solution. The patient was observed to have symptomatic improvement, but was lost to follow up. </p><p class="abstract"> </p>