Mucormycosis, COVID-19 and Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: Case Report

Author(s): Edgar Laurencio Cordero-Hernández, Carlos Martínez Murillo, Gilberto Barranco-Lampón, Adán Germán Gallardo Rodríguez, Javier Araiza Santibañez, Itzel Arias-Castro, Adrián Santoyo-Sánchez, Christian Omar Ramos-Peñafiel

Background: During the era of COVID-19, an increase has surged in the number of cases of mucormycosis; the use of high doses of steroids, and states of immunosuppression such as diabetes are the main related risk factors. In the treatment of acute leukemia, it is recommended to reduce the dose of chemotherapy, postponing highly myeloablative schemes and the use of caution with monoclonal antibodies.

Case presentation: We present the case of a patient (25 years-old male) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and COVID-19 confirmed infection who developed rhinocerebral mucormycosis during the induction stage.

Conclusion: In the age of COVID-19, taking samples through a nasal swab should be avoided in individuals with risk of infection from mucormycosis, such as diabetes, cancer, or individuals treated with high doses of steroids.