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Mucormycosis: The hidden and forgotten disease
Rula M Darwish1, Mohammad AlMasri2, Mahmoud M Al-Masri3
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|February 14, 2022
Summary
Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection, is challenging to diagnose and treat, especially with COVID-19. Early suspicion, surgical intervention, and risk factor management are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a rare, severe fungal infection caused by mucormycetes.
- Recent increases in mucormycosis cases are linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on mucormycosis.
- To highlight key findings in epidemiology, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and management.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an electronic literature search in PubMed (1960-2021).
- Used keywords including fungal genera, disease names, COVID-19, and antifungal drugs.
- Included English-language studies, with independent author review for relevance.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of mucormycosis is often difficult, requiring a high index of suspicion.
- Early surgical debridement is vital to prevent infection spread and improve outcomes.
- Identifying and managing underlying risk factors is essential for effective treatment.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal treatment options for mucormycosis are limited.
- Polyenes and combinations are suitable for empirical therapy.
- Posaconazole and isavuconazole are best for de-escalation or refractory cases.
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