Nasal Mucormycosis: Our experience with 24 cases

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection.
• It primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Risk factors contributing to mucormycosis are increasingly prevalent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology and incidence of mucormycosis.
• To analyze patient outcomes for mucormycosis at a tertiary care center.
• To identify trends in mucormycosis over a decade.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review conducted from January 2008 to January 2018.
• Inclusion of all patients with proven or probable mucormycosis.
• Data analysis focused on patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment.

Main Results:

• A total of 24 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis were analyzed.
• The median age of affected patients was 49 years, with a male predominance.
• Common comorbidities included hematologic malignancy and diabetes mellitus; liposomal amphotericin B was the primary antifungal agent.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of mucormycosis has significantly increased over the past decade at the institution.
• This rise is strongly associated with an increase in underlying risk factors.
• Effective management strategies and awareness are crucial for combating mucormycosis.