# Coexisting Chronic Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis and Actinomyces Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

A rare case of chronic mucormycosis combined with an Actinomyces bacterial infection in a diabetic patient is reported, highlighting the need for integrated treatment strategies.

## Contribution

The paper reports a rare co-infection of chronic mucormycosis and Actinomyces, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches.

## Key findings

- Chronic mucormycosis combined with Actinomyces infection is a rare but treatable condition.
- Integrated treatment involving surgery and antifungal therapy led to successful recovery in the reported case.
- Histopathological analysis is critical for accurate diagnosis of such complex infections.

## Abstract

Fungal rhino-orbital-cerebral infections present significant treatment challenges, especially in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes. These infections seldom occur with bacterial co-infections, which complicate their management. This report presents the case of a 74-year-old diabetic male with a long-standing history of left malar pain who experienced rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and confusion. Diagnostic imaging revealed angioinvasive fungal sinusitis, ultimately attributed to chronic mucormycosis (CM) with concurrent Actinomyces infection, a rarely reported occurrence. We employed a comprehensive treatment strategy, which resulted in a successful recovery after 24 days. Although CM is rare, accounting for approximately 5.6% of cases with mucormycosis, it requires thorough diagnostic evaluation and prolonged treatment. The rarity of co-infections like the one we describe underscores the need for an integrated management approach. Histopathological analysis serves as the gold standard for diagnosis, with treatment typically involving surgical and extensive antifungal interventions.