An old confusion: Entomophthoromycosis versus mucormycosis and their main differences

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Fungal diseases are a significant and increasing global health burden.
• Invasive fungal infections pose risks, often linked to patient homeostasis, but can affect healthy individuals.
• Accurate diagnosis and understanding of fungal pathogens are crucial for effective treatment and reducing mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address confusion arising from updated terminology in fungal disease classification.
• To differentiate ecological, taxonomic, clinical, and diagnostic aspects of mucormycosis, conidiobolomycosis, and basidiobolomycosis.
• To propose a unifying term for infections caused by specific fungal groups.

Main Methods:

• Review of ecological, taxonomic, and clinical data for relevant fungal pathogens.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and historical terminology.
• Comparative assessment of disease characteristics.

Main Results:

• The term 'zygomycosis' is outdated and causes confusion.
• Mucormycosis, conidiobolomycosis, and basidiobolomycosis have distinct features.
• A new term, 'coenocytic hyphomycosis,' is proposed to encompass infections by Mucorales, Basidiobolus, and Conidiobolus.

Conclusions:

• Clarifying fungal disease terminology is essential for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
• The proposed term 'coenocytic hyphomycosis' aims to unify understanding of related fungal infections.
• Improved classification aids in combating the rising global burden of fungal diseases.