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Mucormycosis in India: unique features

Arunaloke Chakrabarti1, Rachna Singh

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.

Mycoses
|September 5, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Mucormycosis in India presents unique features, including a high frequency of rhino-orbito-cerebral cases linked to diabetes. Emerging fungal species and isolated renal infections are also notable characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection with high mortality.
  • Incidence of mucormycosis has significantly increased in India over recent decades.
  • Indian mucormycosis exhibits distinct epidemiological and clinical characteristics compared to global patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the unique epidemiological and clinical features of mucormycosis in India.
  • To highlight emerging fungal species and uncommon presentations observed in the region.
  • To provide insights into the distinct patterns of this invasive fungal infection in the Indian subcontinent.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies related to mucormycosis in India.
  • Analysis of reported cases, clinical presentations, and identified fungal species.
  • Synthesis of data on epidemiological trends and unique disease characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, particularly in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, is the predominant form in India.
  • Isolated renal mucormycosis has emerged as a distinct clinical entity.
  • Emerging fungal species like Apophysomyces elegans and Rhizopus homothallicus, along with uncommon agents such as Mucor irregularis and Thamnostylum lucknowense, are increasingly reported.

Conclusions:

  • Mucormycosis in India displays unique epidemiological and clinical features.
  • The rise in specific fungal species and presentations like renal mucormycosis warrants attention.
  • Understanding these distinct patterns is crucial for effective diagnosis and management in India.
Keywords:
Apophysomyces elegansMucormycosisRhizopus oryzaediabetesepidemiologyrenal infection

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