Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
05:34
Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Published on: June 6, 2025
[Mucormycosis. An emergent mycosis]
Iris Tiraboschi1, Martín Bravo, Norma Fernández
1División Infectología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. dratiraboschi@hotmail.com
Medicina
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Mucormycosis, a fungal infection, is increasing in incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment of this rare but aggressive disease are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Mucormycosis is a severe opportunistic infection caused by Mucorales fungi.
- Characterized by rapid progression, high morbidity, and mortality if untreated.
- Historically infrequent, recent years show an apparent increase in incidence.
Purpose:
- To report and analyze cases of mucormycosis diagnosed between 1982 and 2010.
- To evaluate incidence and frequency trends over two distinct periods.
- To describe clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes.
Summary:
- Ten cases of mucormycosis were diagnosed, with a notable increase in incidence between 2005-2010 compared to 1982-2004.
- Nine cases were rhinocerebral (seven diabetic, two neutropenic) and one was pulmonary.
- Diagnosis relied on identifying cenocytic hyphae; cultures confirmed Mucorales in most cases.
Impact:
- Highlights a significant rise in mucormycosis cases over a five-year period.
- Emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis and prompt treatment for improved patient survival.
- Provides valuable data on clinical patterns and treatment efficacy for this rare infection.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...