Date: November 25, 2014 2:18:00 PM PST

 HAN 373: Fatal Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis in an Infant Following Ingestion of Contaminated Dietary Supplement – Connecticut, 2014

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Connecticut Departments of Public Health and Consumer Protection are investigating a fatal case of gastrointestinal (GI) mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a premature infant. The infant received ABC Dophilus® Powder, a dietary supplement product containing viable microbial ingredients purchased from Solgar, Inc., Leonia, New Jersey. The product claimed to have “probiotic” properties and is marketed for infants and children. Subsequent testing of the same lot of unopened Solgar ABC Dophilus® Powder revealed contamination with Rhizopus oryzae. The purpose of this HAN advisory is to provide awareness about this fatal case of GI mucormycosis following ingestion of a contaminated dietary supplement and to provide guidance to state health departments and health care providers. Please disseminate this information to healthcare workers in neonatal intensive care units, hospital pharmacies, pediatricians, and primary care providers, as well as to microbiology and pathology laboratories.