Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a severe fungal infection that may cause fulminant fungal sinusitis, usually in people who are immunocompromised. It is mostly curable when diagnosed early. Symptoms depend on where in the body the infection occurs. It most commonly infects the nose, sinuses, eyes and brain resulting in a runny nose, one-sided facial swelling and pain, headache, fever, blurred vision, bulging or displacement of the eye (proptosis), and tissue death. Other sites of infection may include the lungs, stomach and intestines, and skin. It tends to progress rapidly and is fatal in about half of sinus cases and almost all cases of the widespread type. It is spread by spores of molds of the order Mucorales, most often through inhalation, contaminated food, or contamination of open wounds. These fungi are common in soils, decomposing organic matter (such as rotting fruit and vegetables), and animal manure, but usually do not affect people. It is not transmitted between people. Preventive measures include wearing a face mask in dusty areas, avoiding contact with water-damaged buildings, and protecting the skin from exposure to soil such as when gardening or certain outdoor work. Risk factors include diabetes with persistently high blood sugar levels or diabetic ketoacidosis, low white blood cells, cancer, organ transplant, iron overload, kidney problems, long-term steroids or use of immunosuppressants, and to a lesser extent HIV/AIDS. Diagnosis is by biopsy and culture, with medical imaging to help determine the extent of disease. It may appear similar to aspergillosis. Treatment is generally with amphotericin B and surgical debridement. Mucormycosis is usually rare. A recent rise in cases was particularly noted in India, where it may be about 80 times more common than in developed countries. People of any age may be affected, including premature infants. The disease has been...