infections
Mucormycosis
Introduction
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that can be caused by many different molds. Mucormycosis is acquired when spores produced by the mold are inhaled or, much less commonly, when they enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin. The infection causes pain, fever, and sometimes cough and can destroy structures in the face. Doctors diagnose the infection by identifying the fungus in tissue samples. Most people are given high doses ofamphotericin Bintravenously, and surgery is done to remove infected and dead tissue. (See also Overview of Fungal Infections .) Many different species of fungi can cause mucormycosis. They belong to a large group of molds called Mucorales. These molds includeRhizopus,Rhizomucor, andMucor. Each species causes similar symptoms. These molds are common in the environment and include many common bread molds. People probably breathe in the spores of these molds all the time. However, these molds usually do not cause infection. Mucormycosis typically occurs when one of the following is present: Diabetes is not controlled well. The immune system is weakened by medications (such as corticosteroids or medications that suppress the immune system) or by Overview of Leukemia or other disorders that weaken the immune system. is used to treat Overview of Iron Overload . Mucormycosis can be caused by Inhaling spores produced by the molds (the most common cause) Having the mold's spores enter through a break in the skin Inhaling the spores can cause several types of infection: The nose, sinuses, eyes, and brain are most often infected. This severe infection—called rhinocerebral mucormycosis—is often fatal. Spores can enter the lungs, causing pulmonary mucormycosis. When spores inhaled into the mouth are swallowed, the digestive tract can be infected. When the infection results from spores entering through a break in the skin, it affects the skin—a form called cutaneous mucormycosis. This form usually occurs in people with a normal immune system when contaminated soil comes in contact with broken skin, as may occur during earthquakes or other natural disasters or in people injured in blast injuries during combat. Mucormycosis does not spread from person to person. 