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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
Summary
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.
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