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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Intrafemoral Injection of Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells into Immunocompromised Mice
Published on: December 8, 2023
[Zygomycosis after hematogeneic stem cell transplantation--a current problem?]
Andreas Glöckner1, Oliver A Cornely
1Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald. a.gloeckner@nrs-greifswald.de
Abstract:
Zygomycoses are rare but often lethal mold infections predominantly affecting immunocompromised patients. Over the last years, several tertiary-care cancer centers reported an increase in the incidence of zygomycete infections in allogeneic blood stem cell transplant recipients. These observations are based on a small number of patients and should be considered in the context of a decades-long increase of mold infection rates. Diagnostic obstacles, including the difficult discrimination from the tenfold more frequent aspergilloses, may confound the reported incidences of zygomycete infections. These may be due to changes in frequency, severity and management of graft-versus-host disease promoting filamentous fungal infections, including zygomycoses. Hospitals applying long-term voriconazole prophylaxis in high-risk patients report a significant decrease in aspergillosis rates since the drug became available in 2001. The observation of increased frequencies of zygomycete infections during this period of time is not based on prospective evaluations. Therefore, the causes of these findings remain a matter of debate. Current multicenter trials on antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk patients promise to generate reliable data on the protective effect of antifungals active against molds, and the incidence of zygomycete infections in a controlled setting.
Insights
Zygomycete infections, a rare but lethal mold, are increasingly reported in stem cell transplant patients. Distinguishing them from aspergillosis is challenging, and their rising incidence requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Context:
- Zygomycoses are rare, lethal mold infections primarily impacting immunocompromised individuals.
- An increasing incidence of zygomycete infections has been noted in allogeneic blood stem cell transplant recipients.
- Distinguishing zygomycoses from the more common aspergilloses presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose:
- To investigate the reported increase in zygomycete infections among stem cell transplant recipients.
- To explore potential factors contributing to the observed rise in zygomycoses.
- To address the diagnostic difficulties in differentiating zygomycete infections from other mold infections.
Summary:
- Tertiary-care cancer centers report a potential rise in zygomycete infections in stem cell transplant patients, though based on limited data.
- This trend coincides with a broader increase in mold infection rates and potential shifts in graft-versus-host disease management.
- The observed increase in zygomycetes may be influenced by widespread use of voriconazole prophylaxis, which reduces aspergillosis rates.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for improved diagnostic methods for zygomycoses in clinical settings.
- Underscores the importance of ongoing research into fungal infections in immunocompromised populations.
- Emphasizes the potential impact of antifungal prophylaxis strategies on the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections.
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