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Oral Manifestations of Mucormycosis: A Systematic Review
Alejandro Mora-Martínez1, Laura Murcia2, Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Lozano1
1Department of Special Care in Dentistry, Hospital Morales Meseguer, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain.
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic, and emerging fungal infection that can rapidly develop into a severe, highly fatal clinical picture. In most cases, it is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, which are usually avirulent but become pathogenic when the host's immune system is compromised. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We chose articles that analyzed the oral manifestations of patients with mucormycosis, were published between 2018 and 2023, and met our search terms. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the CARE guideline for case reports and STROBE for a cross-sectional study. After the selection process, 20 articles were included in this review, all containing information about the different oral manifestations presented by people with mucormycosis. The most common oral manifestations are mainly bone exposures and oral ulcers, halitosis, pus discharge, gingival thickening, and periodontitis. However, despite the importance of recognizing these oral manifestations in the early stages of mucormycotic infection, providing early treatment, and reducing the high mortality rate of the infection, more studies are needed.
Insights
Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, often presents with distinct oral symptoms like ulcers and bone exposure. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for timely treatment and reducing high mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection caused by Mucorales.
- It becomes pathogenic in immunocompromised individuals, leading to severe, fatal outcomes.
- Oral manifestations are critical indicators of this emerging infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the oral manifestations of mucormycosis.
- To identify common oral signs associated with the infection.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published 2018-2023.
- Included studies analyzing oral manifestations in mucormycosis patients; assessed risk of bias using CARE and STROBE guidelines.
Main Results:
- Twenty articles were included in the review.
- Common oral manifestations include bone exposure, oral ulcers, halitosis, pus discharge, gingival thickening, and periodontitis.
- These signs are vital for early diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Oral manifestations are key indicators for early mucormycosis detection.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of oral signs can reduce the infection's high mortality rate.
- Further research is needed to improve understanding and management of mucormycosis.
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