Emerging fungal infection mimics cancer

By Phil Benson - email
PHOENIX (CBS5) - An emerging fungal infection of the gastrointestinal tract that mimics cancer and inflammatory bowel disease appears to be emerging in the Southwest, Mayo Clinic researchers in Arizona said.

The invasive fungus, Basidiobolus ranarum, is typically found in the soil, decaying organic matter and the gastrointestinal tracts of fish, reptiles, amphibians and bats.

Mayo researchers studied 44 cases of human gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis reported from around the world, including 17 from Arizona, one from southern Utah and one from elsewhere in the U.S. Eight of the 44 patients died.

http://www.kpho.com/story/17290994/emerging-fungal-infection-mimcs-cancer

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Maybe we should reconsider eating Richie Rich, or just don't swallow, oh.