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Mucormycosis in Iran: a systematic review
Afsane Vaezi1, Maryam Moazeni2, Mohammad Taghi Rahimi3
1Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Mycoses
|February 25, 2016
Summary
This review of 98 Iranian mucormycosis cases (1990-2015) highlights rhinocerebral disease as most common. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates in this life-threatening fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection caused by Mucorales, poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals.
- Iran has reported cases of mucormycosis, necessitating a comprehensive review of epidemiological data.
- Understanding the patterns of mucormycosis in Iran is vital for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review all reported cases of mucormycosis in Iran over a 25-year period (1990-2015).
- To analyze the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, causative agents, and outcomes of mucormycosis in the Iranian population.
- To identify factors influencing mortality and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all reported mucormycosis cases in Iran between 1990 and 2015.
- Data extraction included patient demographics, underlying conditions, clinical forms, diagnostic methods, causative fungi, treatments, and outcomes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of different characteristics and outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 98 cases were identified, with a mean patient age of 39.8 years. Diabetes (47.9%) and organ transplantation (22.4%) were common underlying conditions.
- Rhinocerebral mucormycosis was the most frequent clinical form (48.9%), particularly in diabetic patients (72.9%).
- The overall mortality rate was 40.8%, with disseminated disease having the highest mortality (75%). Rhizopus species were the most common pathogen (51.7%).
Conclusions:
- Mucormycosis in Iran presents with a high mortality rate, underscoring the need for increased awareness and prompt medical intervention.
- Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is the predominant form, especially in diabetic patients, and has a lower mortality rate compared to disseminated disease.
- Combination therapy of surgery and antifungals improved survival rates, emphasizing the critical role of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.
