[Mucormycosis: Current and future management perspective]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Mycology

Background:

• Mucormycosis infections, caused by fungi, are increasing and characterized by rapid angioinvasion.
• These infections commonly affect the sinuses, lungs, skin, and digestive system, often spreading systemically.
• Risk factors include diabetes, kidney failure, neutropenia, immunosuppression, and iron overload, contributing to a high mortality rate exceeding 40%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of mucormycosis epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and risk factors.
• To emphasize the critical role of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in managing these severe infections.
• To discuss established and debated therapeutic strategies for mucormycosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data and clinical case series on mucormycosis.
• Analysis of current international guidelines for the management of mucormycosis.
• Evaluation of treatment outcomes associated with various antifungal therapies and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Mucormycosis presents with rapid vascular invasion and high mortality.
• Effective management hinges on early diagnosis, antifungal therapy, and often surgical debridement.
• High-dose liposomal amphotericin B is recommended as first-line treatment.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential for improving outcomes in mucormycosis.
• Liposomal amphotericin B is the consensus first-line therapy.
• The role of combination antifungal therapy requires further investigation.