Zygomycosis

Zygomycosis
Group of periorbital fungal infections including mucormycosis (shown) and phycomycosis
SpecialtyInfectious diseases Edit this on Wikidata

Zygomycosis is the broadest term to refer to infections caused by bread mold fungi of the zygomycota phylum. However, because zygomycota has been identified as polyphyletic, and is not included in modern fungal classification systems, the diseases that zygomycosis can refer to are better called by their specific names: mucormycosis[1] (after Mucorales), phycomycosis[2] (after Phycomycetes) and basidiobolomycosis (after Basidiobolus).[3] These rare yet serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections usually affect the face or oropharyngeal (nose and mouth) cavity.[4] Zygomycosis type infections are most often caused by common fungi found in soil and decaying vegetation. While most individuals are exposed to the fungi on a regular basis, those with immune disorders (immunocompromised) are more prone to fungal infection.[2][5][6] These types of infections are also common after natural disasters, such as tornadoes or earthquakes, where people have open wounds that have become filled with soil or vegetative matter.[7]

The condition may affect the gastrointestinal tract or the skin, often beginning in the nose and paranasal sinuses. It is one of the most rapidly spreading fungal infections in humans. Treatment consists of prompt and intensive antifungal drug therapy and surgery to remove the infected tissue.

  1. ^ Toro, Carlos; del Palacio, Amalia; Álvarez, Carmen; Rodríguez-Peralto, José Luis; Carabias, Esperanza; Cuétara, Soledad; Carpintero, Yolanda; Gómez, César (1998). "Zigomicosis cutánea por Rhizopus arrhizus en herida quirúrgica" [Cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus arrhizus in a surgical wound]. Revista Iberoamericana de Micología (in Spanish). 15 (2): 94–6. PMID 17655419.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference maxilla was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999). "Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis — Arizona, 1994–1999". Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 48 (32): 710–3. PMID 21033182.
  4. ^ Nancy F Crum-Cianflone; MD MPH. "Mucormycosis". eMedicine. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
  5. ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Mucormycosis
  6. ^ Ettinger, Stephen J.; Feldman, Edward C. (1995). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (4th ed.). W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-6795-3.[page needed]
  7. ^ Draper, Bill; Suhr, Jim (11 June 2011). "Survivors of Joplin tornado develop rare infection". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Associated Press.[permanent dead link]