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Iron overload is a risk factor for zygomycosis
1Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Well-recognized risk factors for zygomycosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, immunocompromise, and deferoxamine therapy for iron or aluminum overload, usually in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. We report a case of fatal nasal-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in an 82-year-old man with known myelodysplasia and well-controlled diabetes. He was not receiving deferoxamine. Despite radical surgery and amphotericin B therapy, he died; primary hemochromatosis with gross iron overload was found post mortem. Experimental evidence suggests iron overload without deferoxamine therapy may be a risk factor for zygomycosis; the findings in this case would support this hypothesis.
Insights
Iron overload, even without deferoxamine therapy, may be a risk factor for invasive fungal infections like zygomycosis. This case highlights a potential new risk for patients with conditions causing excessive iron accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Zygomycosis is a severe fungal infection.
- Known risk factors include diabetic ketoacidosis, immunocompromise, and deferoxamine therapy.
- Iron overload is implicated, particularly with deferoxamine use.