Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2025

High Resolution Electron Microscopy of the Helicobacter pylori Cag Type IV Secretion System Pili Produced in Varying Conditions of Iron Availability
09:05

High Resolution Electron Microscopy of the Helicobacter pylori Cag Type IV Secretion System Pili Produced in Varying Conditions of Iron Availability

Published on: November 21, 2014

15.5K

How Does Mucorales Benefit from the Dysregulated Iron Homeostasis During SARS-CoV-2 Infection?

Nata Pratama Hardjo Lugito1, Cucunawangsih Cucunawangsih2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, 15811. nata.lugito@uph.edu.

Mycopathologia
|October 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Mucormycosis, caused by Mucorales, is an opportunistic infection favored by COVID-19 conditions like hyperglycemia and iron dysregulation. SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic infection caused by Mucorales.
  • The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen an increase in mucormycosis cases.
  • Severe COVID-19 presents conditions like hyperglycemia, acidosis, and endothelial injury that may predispose individuals to Mucorales infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize how dysregulated iron homeostasis in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection benefits Mucorales.
  • To highlight the link between COVID-19-associated metabolic and vascular changes and mucormycosis pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on COVID-19 pathophysiology and mucormycosis.
  • Analysis of the role of iron homeostasis in severe COVID-19.
  • Correlation of SARS-CoV-2-induced host factors with Mucorales growth.

Main Results:

  • Severe COVID-19 is characterized by hyperglycemia, dysregulated iron homeostasis (hyperferritinemic syndrome), and endothelial injury.
  • These conditions, particularly elevated iron levels and GRP78 expression, create a favorable environment for Mucorales.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates iron dysregulation, promoting Mucorales growth and infection.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulated iron homeostasis in SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly benefits Mucorales.
  • Understanding these host-pathogen interactions is crucial for managing mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients.
  • Targeting iron metabolism could be a potential therapeutic strategy against COVID-19-associated mucormycosis.
Keywords:
Iron homeostasisMucoralesSARS-CoV-2

More Related Videos

Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice08:02

Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice

Published on: February 18, 2015

10.1K
Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 BSL-3 Conditions07:59

Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 BSL-3 Conditions

Published on: September 10, 2021

3.3K

Related Concept Videos

Microbial Nutrition01:28

Microbial Nutrition

Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
527
Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
132
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
181
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach01:25

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
971
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors01:24

Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors

Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI)  tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining.
663
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
421