There are different parts of the body affected by mucormycosis, including the sinuses, the lungs, the skin, and the brain, which is a fungal infection. People with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions are more likely to contract mucormycosis if exposed to molds commonly found in the soil or environment. A mucormycosis infection can be fatal if left untreated.
It is caused by a variety of fungi belonging to the class Zygomycetes. Most commonly, mucormycosis is caused by Rhizopus arrhizus, a member of the Mucoraceae family. In addition, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Cunninghamella, Apophysomyces, Absidia, Saksenaea, and others can cause mucormycosis.
A fungus can produce spores that are inhaled or enter the body through a cut or wound. The spores can grow and invade the blood vessels, tissues, and organs, causing tissue damage and necrosis.
In mucormycosis, the symptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected. The most common symptoms are:
The sinuses, nose, eyes, and brain are affected by rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Symptoms include:
Fever
Having a headache
Congestion of the nose
Pain in the sinuses
Swelling of the face
Pain in the eyes
Loss of vision
Nose discharge that is black
Palate or nasal septum ulcers or black patches
As a result of pulmonary mucormycosis, symptoms may include:
Fever
Coughing
Pain in the chest
Breathing difficulties
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Skin and soft tissue mucormycosis occurs after a trauma, surgery, burn, or injection. Symptoms include:
Fever
The color red
Symptoms of swelling
Feelings of tenderness
Bleeding blisters
Ulcers
Skin tissue that is blackened
In disseminated mucormycosis, the infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, spleen, or gastrointestinal tract. It can cause symptoms such as:
Fever
Malaise
Loss of weight
Pain in the abdomen
Symptoms of nausea
Vomiting
Irritable bowel syndrome
Seizures
Coma
A tissue sample from the affected area, such as the nose, lungs, skin, or brain, can be examined under a microscope or cultured in a laboratory to diagnose mucormycosis. A biopsy, a swab, scrape, or needle aspiration can be used to collect the tissue sample.
It is also possible to confirm the diagnosis with imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, which can show the extent and location of the infection.
The treatment for mucormycosis typically involves intravenous (through a vein) administration of antifungal medications and surgery. These medications include amphotericin B, posaconazole, isavuconazole, and others. In order to prevent the infection from spreading further, the dead and infected tissue is removed during surgery. Sometimes, an eye or a limb may need to be amputationated.
Mucormycosis treatment duration and outcome depends on the severity and type of infection, the patient's overall health, and the response to treatment. The mortality rate ranges from 10% to 80%.
The best way to prevent mucormycosis is to reduce the exposure to the fungi that cause it. Some preventative measures include:
If you have a weakened immune system or a health condition that increases your risk of infection, avoid soil, dust, compost, or water that contains the fungi.
When working or gardening in fungus-prone areas, wear protective clothing, gloves, masks, and goggles.
If cuts or wounds on the skin become infected or do not heal, clean and cover them.
Taking your diabetes medications as prescribed and controlling your blood sugar levels.
If you have cancer, organ transplant, or chemotherapy that suppresses your immune system, you should take antifungal prophylaxis (preventive medication).
