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Primary cutaneous zygomycosis in India

Robin Kaushik1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India ; House No 132, Sector 6, Panchkula, 134 109 Haryana India.

The Indian Journal of Surgery
|December 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cutaneous zygomycosis is often underdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and high mortality. This review highlights key findings from Indian cases, emphasizing skin breach as a common predisposing factor.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cutaneous zygomycosis is a severe fungal infection that is frequently underdiagnosed.
  • Delayed diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Awareness of this condition is crucial for timely management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze reported cases of cutaneous zygomycosis in India.
  • To identify common causative agents and predisposing factors.
  • To determine the overall mortality rate associated with cutaneous zygomycosis in India.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of published literature on cutaneous zygomycosis in India was conducted.
  • Data were collected from various search engines and cross-referenced from available manuscripts.
  • A total of 42 publications detailing 130 cases were identified.

Main Results:

  • The study identified 130 cases of cutaneous zygomycosis reported in India since 1976.
  • The overall mortality rate was 35%.
  • Apophysomyces elegans was the most common identified zygomycete, and skin breach was the most frequent predisposing factor. Diabetes was surprisingly reported in only 27.69% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Cutaneous zygomycosis is an underdiagnosed infection in India with a high mortality rate.
  • Breach of the skin is a primary risk factor, and Apophysomyces elegans is a common pathogen.
  • Increased clinical awareness is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective management to improve outcomes.
Keywords:
Amphotericin BAntifungal drugsDiabetesImmunocompetentMucormycosisNecrotizing fasciitisRenal failureSepsis

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