Work

Low albumin levels precede mucormycosis in pediatric cancer patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mucormycosis remains a devastating fungal infection. Albumin has been proposed as a host defense mechanism against Mucorales with direct antifungal effects. In both matched and unmatched case-control analyses, serum albumin levels were lower in pediatric cancer patients with mucormycosis (N = 12) compared to children with other infections. Children with mucormycosis that died had significantly lower albumin levels than those who survived, whereas albumin levels were not associated with mortality in children with other infections. In addition, hypoalbuminemia preceded mucormycosis suggesting it may serve as a risk factor and potential therapeutic target.

Source: Medical Mycology

DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myag117

Authors: Yvette Loeffen, Wim Tissing, Roger J Brüggemann, Frank L van de Veerdonk, Jop Jans

Institutions: University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Princess Máxima Center, Radboud University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,889