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Fungus
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Mucormycosis

Definition:
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, brain, or lungs that occurs primarily in people with immune disorders.

Alternative Names:
Zygomycosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Mucormycosis is caused by common fungi frequently found in the soil and amongst decaying vegetation. Most individuals are exposed to these fungi on a daily basis -- but people with immune disorders may be more susceptible to infection.

Conditions most commonly associated with mucormycosis include diabetes mellitus, chronic steroid use, metabolic acidosis, organ transplantation, leukemia/lymphoma, treatment with deferoxamine, and AIDS.

Syndromes associated with mucormycosis include:

  • Rhinocerebral infection (infection of sinuses and brain)
    • May start as a sinus infection
    • May progress to involve inflammation of cranial nerves
    • May cause blood clots that block vessels to the brain (thrombosis)
  • Pulmonary mucormycosis (lung involvement) -- rapidly progressive pneumonia that may spread to the chest cavity, heart, and brain.
  • Mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and kidneys.


Review Date: 7/19/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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