Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice
07:52

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice

Published on: May 1, 2021

Orbital phycomycosis

A Gutierrez Diaz, A del Palacio Hernanz, S Larregla

    Ophthalmologica. Journal International D'Ophtalmologie. International Journal of Ophthalmology. Zeitschrift Fur Augenheilkunde
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hematology patients with rhinoorbital phycomycosis experienced infections from contaminated air-conditioning systems. This study highlights the critical need for environmental control in preventing fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Hematology

    Background:

    • Rhinoorbital phycomycosis is a severe fungal infection.
    • Hematological patients are particularly susceptible to opportunistic infections due to compromised immunity.

    Observation:

    • Three cases of rhinoorbital phycomycosis occurred within two months in a Hematology Unit.
    • A retrospective fourth case was also identified.

    Findings:

    • An epidemiological investigation identified contaminated air-conditioning systems as the source of infection.
    • Phycomycetes and Mucor pusillus were the causative agents identified in the contaminated systems.

    Implications:

    • Contaminated air-conditioning systems pose a significant risk for fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
    • Strict environmental monitoring and control measures are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent outbreaks of opportunistic mycoses.

    More Related Videos

    Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures08:18

    Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures

    Published on: May 16, 2025

    Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction06:32

    Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction

    Published on: December 5, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

    Skin Diseases and Disorders

    Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
    Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
    Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

    Fungal Group Zygomycota

    Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
    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...
    Microbiome of the Eye01:22

    Microbiome of the Eye

    The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Candidiasis01:20

    Candidiasis

    Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...