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Zygomycosis and HIV infection
M R Sanchez1, I Ponge-Wilson, J A Moy
1Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Severe immunosuppression from HIV increases fungal infections. This study highlights a rare Rhizopus arrhizus skin infection in an HIV-positive intravenous drug user, emphasizing risk factors for zygomycosis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection severely compromises the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections.
- Zygomycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection, often associated with specific risk factors.
Observation:
- A case of primary gangrenous cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus arrhizus is presented in an HIV-infected intravenous drug user.
- A review of nine additional cases of zygomycosis in HIV-infected patients was conducted.
Findings:
- Out of 10 total cases (the presented case plus nine reviewed), eight patients were intravenous drug users.
- Cutaneous zygomycosis occurred in four patients, and one case was linked to drug-induced neutropenia.
- The overall recovery rate with treatment was 60%.
Implications:
- HIV-induced immunosuppression is an infrequent cause of zygomycosis unless other risk factors, such as intravenous drug use, are present.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in HIV-infected patients with zygomycosis.