0
Mucormycosis is a rare but often fatal disease caused by certain fungi. It is sometimes called zygomycosis or phycomycosis. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection that typically develops in patients with weakened immune systems.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are the demographics of gastrointestinal mucormycosis?
Gastrointestinal mucormycosis has been reported in premature or low-birth-weight infants as well as malnourished adults.
What is the most common type of mucormycosis?
Rhinocerebral
Richard Paltauf first described a case of mucormycosis in the middle of which decade?
Richard Paltauf first described a case of mucormycosis in the middle of the 19th decade (1850s).
What is the name of an infection in the nose that starts with the letter m?
Mucormycosis
What is the only reliable antifungal drug used to combat mucormycosis?
Amphotericin B
What is rhinocerebral mucormycosis?
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an infection of the nose, eyes, and brain. The fungus destroys the tissue of the nasal passages, sinuses, or hard palate, producing a black or pus-filled discharge and visible patches of dying tissue.
What is amphotericin B?
An antibiotic used to treat mucormycosis and other severe fungal infections.
A human disease caused by a fungus?
Athlete's foot fungus causes an itchy irritation in the damp places between toes.
What is the one hallmark symptom that should alert any doctor to the presence of rhinocerebral mucormycosis?
A dry, black scab on the nasal mucosa or palate
What are the differences between mucor and aspergillus structures?
According to Harrison 17th ed - Mucor are generally seen as Broad Hyphae which are rarely septate and branch out at right angles on Methanamine or PAS stain of Tissue. This can cause a highly invasive infection in patients with immunocompromise Diabetese Mellitus and Iron overload(especially the ones Taking Desferroxamine). This infection has a hallmark of Vascular Invasion and Tissue Necrosis. Unless identified well in time it can cause destruction of Tissue at a rapid pace. Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis can present as Proptosis Blindness due to Optic Nerve Involvement Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Pulmonary Mucormycosis can present as severe necrotising Pneumonia. Gastric Mucormycosis can present as viscour perforation. Whereas Aspergillus are Narrow Septate Hyphae branching out at Acute Angles. The infection caused by this organisms are not as aggressive as Mucormycosis. It can cause Invasive Pulmonary Disease, Sinusitis as well as invasive sinusitis etc.
Mucormycosis?
DefinitionMucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, brain, or lungs that occurs primarily in people with immune disorders.Alternative NamesZygomycosisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMucormycosis is caused by common fungi frequently found in the soil and in 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 (usually poorly controlled diabetes), 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 infectionMay progress to involve inflammation of cranial nervesMay cause blood clots that block vessels to the brain (thrombosis)Pulmonary mucormycosis (lung involvement) -- pneumonia that gets worse quickly and may spread to the chest cavity, heart, and brainMucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and kidneysSymptomsSymptoms of rhinocerebral mucormycosis include:Acute sinusitis (sinus pain or congestion)Eye swelling and protrusion (proptosis)Dark nasal eschar (scabbing)FeverRedness of skin overlying sinusesSymptoms of lung (pulmonary) mucormycosis include:CoughCoughing blood (occasionally)FeverShortness of breathSymptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include:Abdominal painVomiting bloodSymptoms of kidney (renal) mucormycosis include:FeverFlank (side) painSymptoms of skin (cutaneous) mucormycosis include a single, painful, hardened area of skin that may have a blackened center.Signs and testsMucormycosis should be suspected if symptoms appear in individuals with immune disorders such as diabetes or those with weakened immune systems such as transplant recipients. Symptoms of rhinocerebral mucormycosis are most likely to occur among immunosuppressed people.Depending on where the symptoms are, CT scans or MRIs may be done. Evaluation by an ear-nose-throat specialist is recommended if sinus involvement is suspected.A tissue specimen must be taken and analyzed in order to make a definitive diagnosis of mucormycosis.TreatmentMucormycosis is treated right away with surgery to remove all dead and infected tissue, along with intravenous (directly into a vein) antifungal therapy. Surgical removal of infected tissue may be disfiguring because it may involve removal of the palate, parts of the nose, or parts of the eye. Withoutt his aggressive surgery, however, chances of survival are greatly decreased.Expectations (prognosis)Mucormycosis has an extremely high mortality rate even with aggressive surgical intervention. Death rates range from 25 - 80% depending on the body area involved and the individual's underlying immune problems.ComplicationsBlindness (if the optic nerve is involved)Clotting/blockage of brain or lung vessels (thrombosis)DeathLoss of neurological function (nerve involvement)Calling your health care providerPeople with immune disorders (including diabetes) should seek medical attention if they develop fever, headache, sinus pain, eye swelling, or any of the other symptoms listed above.PreventionBecause the fungi that cause mucormycosis are widespread, the most appropriate preventive measures involve improved control of the underlying illnesses associated with mucormycosis.ReferencesStevens DA. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 360.
What is the prognosis for patients of leishmaniasis?
.With treatment, skin sores begin healing in one to two months, but complete recovery often takes six months or more. In people whose bones and joints are infected or who have pulmonary lesions, surgery may be necessary.
