Mucormycosis
Alternate Names : Zygomycosis
DefinitionMucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, brain, or lungs that occurs primarily in people with immune disorders.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & 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.
|
