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Part 1: Mucormycosis: prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, and diagnosis

Joseph P Lynch1, Michael C Fishbein2, Fereidoun Abtin3

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|June 1, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mucormycosis, a serious mold infection, primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and those with uncontrolled diabetes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to its rapid progression and high mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mucormycosis (MCR) is a severe infection caused by Zygomycetes molds, particularly Order Mucorales.
  • It arises from spore inhalation, ingestion, or wound inoculation, predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals in developed nations.
  • In developing countries, MCR is linked to uncontrolled diabetes and trauma, even in immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical presentations of mucormycosis.
  • To highlight the urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment of MCR.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed up to November 2022.
  • Keywords included: invasive fungal infections, mold, mucormycosis, Mucorales, Zygomycetes, Zygomycosis, Rhizopus, and diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Mucormycosis has a high mortality rate, exceeding 90% in disseminated cases.
  • The infection rapidly invades blood vessels, causing thrombosis and tissue infarction.
  • Delayed treatment significantly worsens patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Mucormycosis presents in six forms, including rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, and cutaneous.
  • Early detection and intervention are critical for improving survival rates in MCR patients.
Keywords:
Invasive fungal infectionsMucoralesRhizopusZygomycosisZyzomycesdiagnosismoldmucormycosis

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